During the course of a lifetime, we encounter many different people. Some inspire us with their creativity. Others teach us how to perform difficult tasks effectively. Still others hold our hands when we are feeling frightened or alone.

Perhaps, if we are very lucky, someone steals in quietly and gently touches our spirits -- leaving an imprint on our hearts that lasts forever.

Someone like Judy Danneberg.

"It is impossible to sum up a life like Judy's," says Gene, her husband of 53 years. "The words just aren't adequate to describe the difference she made for so many people. She was the star of our family. She spent a lifetime doing good things."

Judy Hunt Danneberg was the youngest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Melvin C. Hunt.Born Nov. 6, 1932, in Kansas City, Mo., she grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, and graduated from Lakewood High School before continuing her education at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.

Judy was very active in church and civic affairs before she and Gene relocated to Pinehurst from Lake Forest, Ill., in 1987. For the couple, retirement did not mark a time to slow down, though. Instead, it offered an opportunity to pursue special interests and travel to such exotic locations as Tibet, Africa and Japan. They even cruised down the Amazon River. Still the Dannebergs committed even more time and energy to making a difference.

For 21 years, Judy and Gene spent their time actively engaged in local community and church efforts. Judy worked as a volunteer in the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Human Resources department from 1988 through 2008, recording more than 4,775 hours of service.

"Judy made a career out of volunteering," says Judith Davis, MRH Human Resources technician. "She was very energetic and generous with her talents, time and re-sources."

Although Judy served on a variety of boards and committees, she is most re-membered for her day-to-day thoughtfulness.

"She made beautiful cards for members of her church," says Human Resources assistant Barbara Green. "She always showed an interest in our children and grandchildren -- even finding time to clip news stories or suggest books to fulfill an interest. She genuinely cared about everyone she came in contact with, and she took the time to show it."

A breast cancer survivor, Judy worked tirelessly to promote early detection and to support individuals and families facing the disease. She coordinated the American Cancer Society's Reach for Recovery program in Moore County and was one of the original members of the Moore Regional Hospital Foundation's Cancer CARE Fund Committee.

CARE is an acronym for clinical, advocacy, resources and education.

"Judy was a dynamic and energetic person," says Margaret Goodfellow, Reach for Recovery coordinator. "Judy gave 100 percent. She put her heart and soul into everything that she did. It has taken three of us working hard to manage the responsibilities that somehow she accomplished single-handedly. No one cared more or worked harder to help cancer patients in our community than Judy."

Judy passed away on Dec. 28, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and caring. On June 6, 2009, the Cancer CARE Fund Committee will dedicate the Sixth Annual Blue Jean Ball to her memory.

The Blue Jean Ball is the signature fundraising event for the Cancer CARE Fund. In addition to her work with the Cancer CARE Fund Committee, Judy worked tirelessly each year on the Blue Jean Ball, organizing the volunteers who decorated the Fair Barn for the fundraiser.

"We believe that this event is a chance to celebrate the life of a special person who worked as a champion for patients with cancer," says Debbie McGahey, Cancer CARE Fund Committee chair. "Judy inspired others with her enthusiasm, hard work and compassion. Her life is an example that we should all strive to emulate."

The Blue Jean Ball will be held from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. Guests will enjoy a barbecue buffet and other refreshments, and entertainment will be provided by The Cowboys and The Sand Band. All proceeds benefit the Cancer CARE Fund.

The cost is $50 per person, and table reservations are available for groups of 10. For more information or reserve tickets, call (910) 695-7510. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.firsthealth.org/bluejeanball.

Since 2000, the Cancer CARE Fund has channeled more than $400,000 in financial and personal resources to help patients in need. Reaching out with educational programs and valuable services, the fund provides a network of community support and assistance for patients and their families -- friend to friend, close to home.

The group also supports CARE-Net, a network of volunteers who assist families as they cope with chronic disease. Every volunteer who participates has personally experienced the effects of chronic illness, either themselves or by caring for a close relative or friend.

Funds from the Cancer CARE Fund are primarily used to benefit patients in the direct FirstHealth service area of Moore, Montgomery, Richmond and Hoke counties. For more information, contact the Foundation of FirstHealth at (910) 695-7500.

Brenda Bouser works for the corporate communications department at FirstHealth of the Carolinas.