by Joseph H. RADDER
After being a librarian for twenty five years (three of those in Beirut, Lebanon in the
American Community School) and a travel agent for five, joyce zobel retired. She survived
ovarian cancer six years ago. She was trained as a chemo-coach at the American Cancer
Society shortly after the Chemo-Coach Program was begun, over five years ago. This is a
support program where a person beginning chemotherapy can call the ACS and ask for a
“coach”. A “coach” is someone who has been through the frightening
experience of cancer and treatment and has survived it with a happy and healthy attitude.
The “coach” can give the patient hope and encouragement. She can assure them
that their hair will return! Joyce has coached individual chemo patients in their homes,
in hospitals and in oncology centers.
Another favorite activity of hers is acting as a tour guide at Tifft
Nature Preserve. She is also active as a member of the Women’s Board at Millard
Fillmore Suburban Hospital and works in the gift shop there, as well as helping with
money-raising projects such as the annual fashion show. Joyce is a member of the League of
Women Voters and helps organize the Great Decisions discussion series that the Amherst
Unit sponsors every year. She was also an officer of the Williamsville Association of
Retired Teachers.
She and her husband Richard, who is on the faculty at UB, both enjoy canoeing, traveling (with Mexico being a favorite destination) and being with their two children, son-in-law and new grandson. .
Joseph H. Radder is a freelance writer.