Avondale Estates resident Marilyn Cook said she believes she beat breast cancer so she could help others in the same situation.

Every day, the 67-year-old is at the front desk of Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, helping people find their way in the building. and as a hostess, retrieving snacks for the hungry and blankets for the cold.

She also serves as a sympathetic ear, talking to patients and their families and sharing her own success story.

“Cancer centers are not your favorite place to be,” Ms. Cook said. “I try to make people as comfortable as possible.”

Ms. Cook’s work began at the Winship Cancer Institute after she was one of its patients.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005. After a few rounds of radiation treatment and surgery, Ms. Cook was cancer free by December the same year.

But she was so impressed with the center that she decided to volunteer.

“As soon as I started treatment, I wanted to volunteer at Winship. I wanted to give something back,” Ms. Cook said. “I think I survived so I could help others get through their challenge.”

After a few years of regular volunteering, she was hired by the center to work the front desk.

But the Winship Cancer Institute is not the only place Ms. Cook is active.

She is a regular volunteer and participant for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk and the annual Breast Cancer Three-Day Walk.

Ms. Cook’s story also will be featured as part of the 25th anniversary of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization.

Her story will be featured as part of ad campaigns and on the Web site nbcam.org.

The advocacy group provides resources for breast cancer patients and their families.