Tracy Ertl's Dare to be Great: A Story of Triumph Over Cancer
Written by Castmagic (Virtual Assistant)
Edited by WTM
When Tracy Ertl stepped onto the virtual stage at Dare to be Great 5, she presented not just as a keynote speaker and the founder of Hero Light Training but also as a beacon of resilience battling her recent breast cancer diagnosis. The title of her keynote, "Yes, Tracy, you have breast cancer," sets a candid and direct tone. For Tracy, and for everyone tuning into her session, it was a moment of shared vulnerability and undeniable strength.
Diagnosed on St. Patrick’s Day with stage two breast cancer, Tracy found herself facing a challenge that did not play by the rules she'd known in her over 30 years of experience in 911 operations. The cancer, which was estrogen receptor-positive, required aggressive treatment to remove the estrogen that fueled it. What was perhaps most shocking about her diagnosis was that regular mammograms had failed to detect the cancer; it was a 3D mammogram that revealed it, despite Tracy having no noticeable symptoms or family history of the disease.
Tracy underwent surgery followed by radiation. The double radiation was targeted to the upper right quadrant of her body. Throughout this ordeal, she maintained her sense of humor, which she humorously dubs as her medicine. It wasn't just a physical battle; radiation therapy triggered past traumas, daunting for anyone, let alone someone who is asthmatic and had to learn new ways to breathe to protect her lung during treatment. Yet, Tracy’s account is not only about the affliction of her body but also the renaissance of her spirit.
She noted that she has learned to live her life in five-year increments, a practice that instills a deep sense of gratitude and a fearless approach to life. It throws light on the precarious nature of existence and the power in acknowledging it. In sharing her journey, Tracy highlighted a pivotal lesson: the emergency dispatchers, directors, and managers she addressed have the same skills necessary to handle crises in their personal lives as they do in professional situations.
The interplay between 911 work and personal battles, like cancer, became clear as Tracy drew parallels between the dynamics of both challenging landscapes. She spoke with authority on how the essence of wellness and self-care threads through the fabric of their lives as first responders and is just as critical in fighting personal battles. The skills honed in their demanding jobs — resourcefulness, prioritization, clear communication, and most importantly, compassion — are foundational when combating life's grueling battles.
Tracy's message delved deeply into self-compassion. She encouraged others to harness it, along with a recognition of their personal gifts. The intent was more than motivational rhetoric; it was a charge to her listeners to empathize with themselves, embolden their own confidence, and empower their actions. The engagement wasn’t just about recovery but thriving post-crisis. Tracy, two months post-treatment, with her energy levels and appearance still adjusting, was the living embodiment of thriving.
Her reflections on her cancer battle were woven with threads of her 911 experience. Being authentic in their roles as 911 responders, Tracy urged, is not just about communication with others; it's about being in tune with oneself. She advocated for individuality within the uniformity of their mission-critical roles. Part of being human, as Tracy emphasized, is experiencing joy in simple things: the laughter, the connection with nature, the nurturing of relationships. Life, according to her, isn’t static, and neither are relationships. Changes are inevitable, and people will come and go, much like the transient roles we all have in organizations such as 911.
Tracy’s narrative is more than the recounting of a personal ordeal; it is a touchstone for those who find themselves amidst their own trials. When describing her journey, she tied her will to live fearlessly to her 911 work, which has shown her both the uncertainty and the preciousness of life. It garnered resilience within her, a quality that every 911 professional possesses by the very nature of their work. It’s this resilience that was instrumental when she was met by her own critical situation.
Ricardo, the host, underscored Tracy's message and celebrated her strength and the community's support during her darkest times. Hero Light Training, her very own training company, undoubtedly draws from the fortitude and insights gained from her personal experiences and professional journey. It’s this convergence of life and work that makes her message resonate with genuine understanding and authority.
The session concluded with genuine appreciation from Ricardo and a collective anticipation for the transition to the next segment of the event. What Tracy left behind in that room and with the viewers who tuned in is more than just a story of a battle with cancer. It's a testament to facing life's direst challenges with bravery and an enduring spirit.
For each viewer and listener, Tracy Ertl's speech at Dare to be Great 5 was a moment of reflection. It was an opportunity to consider not only the trials we may face but also the gifts we possess to conquer them. It was a call to draw upon the skills and strengths developed in one’s professional life and forge them into a shield and sword for personal battles. Her journey is a reminder to fully live each moment and ensure that even against something as formidable as cancer, one can dare to be great.
About Keynote speaker Tracy Ertl
HeroLight Training Owner, Lead Instructor Tracy C. Ertl has dedicated 28 years to public safety communications, recently retired from Brown County Public Safety Communications, a consolidated 911 center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tracy has served thousands of public safety students as a devoted APCO Adjunct Instructor, presenting nationally and internationally. She is also Owner & Publisher at TitleTown Publishing, a mainstream publishing house specializing in survival and police titles. Tracy founded HeroLight as a training company built to bring out the hero and happy in all people. She lives in Green Bay, and is the proud parent of three thriving grown children.
HeroLight Training classes for 911 dispatch are available now! Watch the entire presentation below