For over four decades, Carol Mack has been a pillar of the Doane University community. An alumna of the Class of 1982 and a beloved faculty member, Mack’s legacy has been defined by her dedication to education, her infectious positivity, and her unwavering commitment to her students. But in late 2023, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, Mack’s journey has become yet another chapter in her inspiring story, one filled with resilience, faith, and an extraordinary reminder of the power of community.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late September, early October of 2023… those dates are seared into my memory,” Mack shared in a recent conversation. Known for her boundless energy in the classroom, Mack had been preparing for one final full year of teaching to round out over 42 years in education. But cancer had other plans, abruptly changing her course.
Rather than give in to fear, Mack faced her diagnosis with the same spirit she brought to her students daily. She leaned heavily into her faith, crediting God and her community for helping her navigate some of the darkest days. “On the outside, it often looks like things are falling apart,” Mack said during her speech at Relay for Life, paraphrasing 2 Corinthians. “However, on the inside, a Higher Power is making new life; transformation is taking place.”
Early detection, she emphasized, was crucial to her survival. Her cancer was undetectable by self-exam and only found through a routine mammogram, a stark reminder of the importance of regular screenings and advancements in medical technology. “I could be a poster person for getting a yearly mammogram,” she told the crowd, encouraging others to prioritize their health.
Throughout her battle, Mack found strength in her loved ones and the Doane community. She spoke about her “Carol Cape of Courage,” a symbol of the boldness she embraced, even as she lost her hair and some of her independence. “I realized it was okay to not be alright, all the time,” she admitted, reflecting on the vulnerability that came with her journey.
Her metaphor of mountain climbing, a theme she wove beautifully into her Relay for Life speech, resonated deeply. She described herself as a climber, bolstered by carabiners and belayers: her family, friends, colleagues, and students who supported her with steadfast love. “With each step I was taking, I needed to be delayed and find carabiners of hope,” Mack said. “People from my earlier days and present times became my lifeline.”
For Mack, Relay for Life was not just an event, but a profound moment of reflection and gratitude. Surrounded by survivors, caregivers, students, and faculty, she saw firsthand the impact of community. “Here at Dear Old Doane, you Relayers are Belayers,” she declared. “You’ve become part of cancer survivors’, thrivers’, and caregivers’ unwrapped gifts as carabiners of hope.”
Beyond her battle with cancer, Mack remains deeply committed to her mission as an educator and mentor. She cherishes the relationships built over years of teaching and advising, celebrating the successes of her students and colleagues alike. Even in moments of personal struggle, she continues to find purpose in lifting others up. “I hope to inspire others to find strength in their struggles, to embrace their vulnerabilities, and to never lose sight of the light that shines within them, even in the darkest of times.”
As she looks to the future, Mack’s hope burns brighter than ever. She is optimistic about her recovery and remains a fierce advocate for cancer research and community support. Her journey is a testament to resilience, the healing power of connection, and the enduring spirit of Doane University.
For all who know her, Carol Mack is far more than a survivor; she is a beacon of hope, lighting the way for others as they climb their own mountains.
