By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com

Becky Kimball grew up in Indianapolis, Ind. She married her husband, Greg, in 1991 and their careers in the mortgage industry brought them to Jacksonville in 1998. The Kimballs have enjoyed living in Julington Creek for the past 19 years. They have two adult sons.

Kimball’s career changed with the economy and along with the support of her husband, she decided to become a stay at home mother. A self proclaimed “Professional Volunteer,” Kimball is passionate about her work in the community. An active member and volunteer for River of Life United Methodist Church, Kimball leads the ever-growing pumpkin patch every year at the church.

Supporting the American Cancer Society has been a passion for Kimball for the past 13 years. A bone cancer survivor herself, Kimball loves staying involved with Relay for Life and giving her time freely to such an amazing organization.

  1. What do you enjoy most about living in Julington Creek?

I’ve seen Race Track Road go from two lanes up to four now and although, I do wish the growth would slow down, it’s a beautiful and welcoming area to live. It’s well kept and I enjoy the community activities and the surrounding family oriented things like the sports fields. We spent a lot of time with our boys at the fields.

  1. What do you enjoy doing outside of volunteering?

Well, volunteering does take a lot of my time but I enjoy it so much, it’s like a hobby. I’m also a caregiver to my mother. I enjoy spending time with my three grandchildren. We have two dogs. I’m an animal lover.

  1. What inspired you to become so involved with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life?

I first became involved through my church. They were doing outreach and volunteer work. The American Cancer Society does so much more than research. Research is a large, important part — but they also educate, offer patient services, travel help, a 24/7 hotline, second opinion options, and support groups. I caught my cancer early and have been a survivor for 32 years now. My heart told me that this is where I needed to be. I need to do what I can do for so many that have been touched by cancer.

  1. What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

For me, helping others is my greatest accomplishment. Also raising my boys to follow their hearts.

  1. What is something most people don’t know about you?

When I started working with Relay for Life, I really had to step out of my comfort zone and be more social than I naturally am. I’m constantly stepping out of my box but I love helping others. My bone cancer was in my finger. The finger had to be amputated and then the medical team moved the position of another finger so that I could eventually have more hand function. I had to learn to do everything again with my right hand, even write. My grandkids laugh because I say, “Give me a high four.”

 

Photo courtesy Becky Kimball

Becky Kimball

  • Advertise in our May Issue The Creek Line