ELIZABETH MANN

Creating a positive from a negative has been Elizabeth Mann’s inspiration. She believes we may all be faced with adversity, but we can overcome it and become stronger people. She initially gave of herself as an educator and now shares her talents with others as a volunteer.

Mann suffered a mastectomy because of breast cancer, but she did not let that get her down. She fought the disease and now helps others to do the same. The Elkins area of West Virginia is proud to have her serving as the Reach For Recovery person where she counsels other mastectomy victims. Her own struggle with cancer and the heartfelt desire to make someone else’s healing more pleasant motivated her to charter the Randolph Cancer Support Group. In addition to that, she raises monies to maintain the program. She is an excellent fundraiser, and the monies are also utilized for cancer medication, transportation to chemotherapy treatment and other drugs. The Support Group also assists cancer patients and their families with expenses incurred due to the disease.

Mann is multitalented and also gives of her time in other areas. She directs the Melody Chorus, the senior choir and conducts programs throughout the district such as guitar classes. You may also see her at her church assisting with the dinners, fundraisers and serving as Sunday school teacher. In addition to this, she serves as a historian for her church, a Trustee, and she spends many hours during the week singing at area nursing homes.

Though her work is not done for recognition, she has been honored by various organizations. Mann has received the Woodmen of The World Good Neighbor Award, Rebecca of The Year Award, and the Volunteer of The Year Award for the United Way. She was also given a W.E.L.K. Award for Downtown Assistance and a People’s Choice Award for her six-year television show featuring gospel and old time music.

Elizabeth Mann is a humble woman who believes giving back to others is a part of life. She does not believe her volunteer work is anything unusual or more than what the next person does.