A local woman received a special honour at Lakeland College’s President’s Gala in Lloydminster. The evening brought special dignitaries to the city, along with motivational speaker Rick Hansen. Hansen spoke of his struggles in a wheelchair and how he overcame them, along with his journey across the globe to raise money for spinal chord research. Cancer thriver, Wendy Plandowski received the Difference Maker Award for her work at Lakeland College and CEO of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. Plandowski is now in full remission from cancer, and said people struggling can’t do it alone. She said it takes a lot of support from loved ones and the community. Plandowski said it was a complete surprise to receive her award and she was honoured to meet such an inspirational man as Hansen.