The 61-year-old Gatlinburg resident, Nancy Walker

Nancy Walker is not only winning top awards in the martial arts arena but also winning her battle with cancer.

The 61-year-old Gatlinburg resident was awarded Female Instructor of the Year by the International Isshin-Ryu Association at a banquet in Gatlinburg on Aug. 24. Walker was selected for the honor because of her longtime dedication to the teaching of Isshin-Ryu karate.
The Female Instructor of the Year award was presented to her about a year after Walker was diagnosed with cervical cancer last September.
"I never thought I would have it ever because I was in such good shape," Walker said of her cancer. "But you never know who it's going to choose. That's the scary part of it. My oncologist said, 'How in the world did you ever get cancer?'"
Walker said she endured 25 radiation treatments and four chemotherapy sessions.





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