Everyone carrying the Olympic torch has a story of personal victory to tell. Members of the Church invited to participate in the relay as it wends its way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics include:

Judy Seegmiller

SALT LAKE CITY — Judy Seegmiller is a two-time cancer survivor who was selected to carry the Olympic torch because of her efforts to motivate and inspire others. She will carry the torch Feb. 5 into Provo, Utah.

Now a member of the Monument Park 9th Ward, Salt Lake Monument Park Stake, Sister Seegmiller overcame her personal crisis of breast cancer and kidney disease when she learned that her 52-year-old husband, Craig, had early Alzheimer's disease. She was nominated to carry the torch because of the Olympic-like courage she exhibited in helping her husband live his last years in dignity with love and support. She has since detailed her experiences in a book.

"Things we see as hardship and trials are gifts that help us become who we are," she said. "I was most proud and overwhelmed when I received word I would carry the torch. I am blessed to have survived."

Lexie Willard

LOGANDALE, Nev. — Lexie Willard of the Logandale 4th Ward, Logandale Nevada Stake, will carry the Olympic torch in St. George, Utah, on Feb. 4th. She is a senior at Moapa Valley High School in Logandale, Nev. She was nominated by her peers and orchestra teacher for her accomplishments as a percussionist in the band, pep band and orchestra despite being legally blind. Her impairment is a condition that renders the brain incapable of interpreting visual impulses.

She is able to function normally and, with the use of large print books, complete her school assignments. Most people do not detect the impairment. She recently served as president of her Laurel class and will graduate from seminary next spring. She has competed in varsity cross country and track for four years.

Juana Andres Palmer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Juana Andres Palmer of the Tallahassee (Fla.) 2nd Ward ran the Olympic torch in St. Augustine, Fla., Dec. 7, 2001. She was nominated to represent current and former foster children and those with learning disabilities who have worked hard to overcome the past and live happy, healthy lives.

Sister Palmer received her Young Women Medallion in the 3 1/2 years she had between her baptism and her 18th birthday. She served four years in the Navy Junior ROTC and is also a school crossing guard. She started Law Enforcement Academy this month.

Patricia West

OREM, Utah — Pat West of the Orem (Utah) 1st Ward will carry the Olympic torch Feb. 5 in Orem, Utah. For 16 years, Sister West has suffered from a severe environmental illness called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Because of this illness, she has only been able to eat carrots and potatoes for the past 10 years. She suffers from various ailments, including a weakened immune system.

Despite these challenges, Sister West has shown determination to look beyond her own difficulties by finding ways to help others, using the resources around her, and not giving in to her illness. A skilled photographer, she makes video productions of the special events in the lives of others. She produces inspirational videos for her ward, family and community in her video studio. She writes poetry to encourage others in their challenges.

"I do not think of myself as a person who is particularly handicapped," Sister West said, who believes in "doing the best with what you have" and "growing where you are planted."

Brigham A. Fordham

SALT LAKE CITY — Brigham A. Fordham of the Eagle Gate 7th Ward, Salt Lake Eagle Gate Stake, will carry the torch on Jan. 18. In 1989, he was paralyzed from the shoulders down in a car accident. Unable to breathe or speak on his own, he learned to communicate through a device attached to a word processor that translated morse code into text. He later graduated from law school.

"I have had the opportunity to learn first-hand the value of community service," he said. "These experiences impressed me, and they motivated me to look for ways I could give back to the community. When I began volunteering at the Guadalupe Schools teaching English as a second language, many of my students were surprised to see someone with a disaiblity as severe as mine.

"I found it rewarding to watch my students grow more independent and better able to qualify for jobs. Just as my independence enabled me to contribute to the community, my students' new-found language skills gave them greater freedom to be a resource in their families and neighborhoods."

Camey Whitney

PRYOR, Mont. — Camey Whitney of the Blue Creek Ward, Billings Montana Stake, will carry the Olympic torch Jan. 28 in Billings, Mont. A single mother of three, Sister Whitney has worked much of her life running a ranch while raising three children.

In July, a new employee suffered a massive stroke rendering her right side useless. Sister Pryor assumed care of the new employee's horse and 14-year-old brother. She filled out the paperwork required by Social Security but refused any monetary assistance from the employee.

"I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Camey and I'm proud to call her my friend," said the new employee.

Larry Bennett

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Larry Bennett of the Olympia 3rd Ward, Olympia Washington Stake, will carry the Olympic torch on Jan. 23 through a part of Thurston County, Wash. He was nominated because of his enduring efforts to conquer physical challenges, such as the removal of both kidneys due to cancer. He lived on dialysis for 1 1/2 years until his brother, Darl, donated a kidney.

A few years ago, as Larry was considering interesting anecdotes of his life while preparing to speak to the classmates of one of his children, he realized that a life of surgeries had resulted in more than 8 feet of scars on his 5-foot 11-inch body. Since giving his speech he has undergone another surgery adding a seven-inch scar.

Richard Vickers

DERBY, Kan. — Richard Vickers of the Ridge Point Ward, Derby Kansas Stake, will carry the Olympic torch Jan. 11 in Wichita, Kansas.

A police officer, Brother Vickers is running a leg of the torch relay in honor of a young woman who survived an attack during which four of her friends were killed. He was one of her police guards at the hospital and was impressed with her courage. He asked the woman's mother for permission to run in her honor.

Church News readers are encouraged to submit information and photos of members of the Church who participate as torch bearers. Must include ward and stake information. Please submit information and photos by e-mail attachment. E-mail: shaun@desnews.com