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Most would think that the drive, passion and inspiration Ka- mholz instills in others comes from her own experience with the disease, but that's only part of it. In February 2011, friend, mentor and co-worker Chief Deputy Ron Boylan lost his battle to colon cancer, and in 2009 Kamholz lost a dear friend and fellow deputy, Jane Sheline, to the disease as well. "It just makes me work harder and faster, and I just can't do enough fast enough," she says, repeating her mantra. When she's not traveling the state in her pick-up truck (detailed with pink stripes) to show her support for Justice for the Cure events, Kamholz is by the side of friends going through chemo, educating women about breast cancer, or helping friends fulfi ll a fi nal adventure. do enough fast enough." "I just can't When Sheline was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, she told Kamholz she wanted to head West for a "Th elma and Louise" trip. "Once I made sure we weren't going to drive off a cliff, I told her I was in," she says, chuckling. Sheline bought a convertible and Kamholz made hats embroidered with "Th elma and Louise Lived" on the front, and SCC [Sisters Conquering Cancer] on the back. "We had them autographed by law enforcement offi cers from Wisconsin to Wyoming. I have mine in a glass case at home, and I treasure it," she says. Sheline died in March 2009. In the wake of that loss, Kamholz at- tacked her fundraising and educational mission with a new fervor. "I was dedicated to this before, but I threw myself into a higher gear," she explains. Th at drive is rewarded every time Kamholz at- tends a Justice for the Cure event, like the one last October in South Milwaukee. "Police Chief [Ann] Wellens took Justice for the Cure to her de- partment and ran with it," Kamholz remembers, her eyes glisten- ing with tears. As she stood in the South Milwaukee High School gymnasium for a check presentation from the city's fundraising efforts, Kamholz realized the impact of what she was doing. "I just stood there crying as students, teachers, and faculty start- ed fi ling in and fi lled the gym. Th ey were all wearing pink shirts, ties, hats," she trails off. "I was so overwhelmed." As she settles into her role as spokesperson, survivor and educa- tor, recognition of Kamholz's efforts continues to grow. "People say to me all the time, 'Aren't you retired?' and I tell them, this has become my life." She pauses. "I know I'm making a difference and I'm trying to help people. I just appreciate life so much more now." See, in a way, Kamholz already has slowed down. Join the statewide Justice for the Cure kick-off Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. at the State Capitol. Find Justice for the Cure on Facebook, or visit komenmadison.org to fi nd out how to start your own team. ••• October 2011 bravamagazine.com 55