PAM MCGEE
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Story by | Mary Jo Hotzler
n Pam McGee’s life, she’s been a teacher, a consultant, a public speaker, and even a semitruck driver. But her most rewarding role of all has been that of mother. When she was young, Pam never dreamed about having kids. She never planned on getting married or conforming to any of the societal norms. Instead, she had her mind set on being a “jetsetting, briefcase-carrying businesswoman living a fancy rich life.” Needless to say, the last 20 years of parenting — and of life — have been an unexpected journey of learning, self-discovery, and acceptance. “You’ve got to be open to the unexpected,” she says. It’s more than just talk for this Fargo woman as she now faces the biggest plot twist of all: Stage 4 cancer. The prognosis for advanced-stage cancer, by all statistical accounts, isn’t great. But then again, Pam isn’t one to get wrapped up in odds and averages. With the support of her family — whom she calls “The Pack” — her friends and her community, Pam is determined to overcome this latest challenge. “The only thing I can control is my optimism,” she says. “It’s not blind optimism; I honestly believe I’m going to lick this.”
JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2020 | ON THE MINDS OF MOMS
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