By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

A routine mammogram in 2011 was anything but routine for Cindy Nicholson of Chelsea. A biopsy determined potential abnormalities as three different types of breast cancer, followed by double mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery.

Nicholson calls this challenging time in her life as her “adventure” and faced it without fear, a positive spirit and her faith that God was in control.

Nicholson is active in the Shelby County community as director of

human resources of Shelby Baptist Medical Center, graduate and on the board of directors of Leadership Shelby County, member Advisory Board Family Connections, Board of Directors YMCA and choir member Liberty Baptist Church. She has been married for 43 years to husband Charles and they have three married children, Mark (April), Troy (Julie), Sherri (Kell Greer), and seven grandchildren ages three to 12.

However, having reached age 60 — the “Age of Elegance” — and surviving breast cancer, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and participate in the Ms. Senior Shelby County Pageant to share her story and encourage others who face adversity.

“My decision to enter this pageant was a result of my new found determination to try new things and celebrate life as a senior,” said Nicholson. “Age is simply a number — not a definition of abilities or worth.”

Nicholson won Ms. Senior Shelby County 2013 and was first runner up at Ms. Senior Alabama 2013.

“Titles do not always clearly define anyone,” said Nicholson. “The ones most precious to me are child of God, wife, mother and mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, co-worker and friend. If I am counted worthy of those, I am a blessed woman indeed.”

“Life is a gift from God to be enjoyed and cherished – full of love and laughter!” said Nicholson in her Ms. Senior Alabama’s Philosophy of Life statement. “I believe God has a purpose for every day of our lives, and my goal is to find that purpose while living each day to the fullest, paying close attention to His guidance and direction. Happiness is a choice, and nothing — not even cancer — is gonna take my joy!”