Marci Likens

Posted February 20, 2010, 9:02 am in Five Questions With

The WPFT Community is launching a new series called Five Questions With. The series is designed to help WPFT volunteers get to know each other by sharing pictures and comments about themselves and their involvement with WPFT.

Why is volunteering important to you?

I have been so fortunate my whole life. I had a great childhood growing up on a farm with my parents and 3 siblings; a wonderful 27 years with my husband playing golf all over the world. Many of my friends have told me they want to ”come back as Marci” in their next lifetime. That’s why I volunteer. I have been so blessed my entire life. It’s my way of saying “thank you”.

What is you favorite WPFT Event?

The 2-day Lake Nona Golf Tournament is my favorite. Having participated in every tournament from the beginning 17 years ago, it is truly a reunion of friends each October. Everyone does such a great job making it a very special event.

But now I have a 2nd favorite also----being part of the first Central Florida Survivor Dragon Boat Team – WOW - Warriors on Water! It is such a rush to be on the water paddling in sync with such an incredible team. The camaraderie and enthusiasm of these women is infectious. I love it!

If you could speak to every woman being treated for cancer, what would you say?

You are not alone. Reach out to friends and become aware of all the women who have walked in the same shoes and their positive, success stories. There are so many resources to help with the emotional as well as the physical trauma. Take advantage of them. Most of all, appreciate each day and LIVE IT!

What would surprise most people to learn about you?

My friends might say that nothing about me surprises them, but I did want to be an astronaut when I grew up. Since I’m still not there, maybe there’s still a possibility.

What is your favorite pastime?

Golly, It used to be a no-brainer. Golf was my passion. I love tournament competition and playing courses all over especially Scotland and Ireland. But, now along comes Dragon Boat racing and I have another love. It is a team effort harnessing our strength to slay the dragon.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

17 years ago I played golf with Sheila Solomon and she talked about her and Elaine’s desire to create a golf tournament to defeat breast cancer. Having a sister who is a 28 year survivor and having lost my college roommate and 2 other dear friends to breast cancer, I was eager to join with then to fight the fight. Now, I too am a survivor and when diagnosed last year, I so appreciated all the care and facilities available right here in Orlando---- Thanks in large part to WPFT!