(Geomagic: Research Triangle Park, NC) -- Cathy Hofknecht, vice president of marketing for Geomagic, has received a Women in Business 2009 Award in the Inspiration category from the Triangle Business Journal.

According to the Triangle Business Journal web site, the Inspiration category “honors women leaders who, through their words, actions and attitude, inspire those who work with and around them.” In the case of Cathy Hofknecht, the inspiration came from the courage and positive attitude she has shown co-workers, family, and friends as she fights cancer.

In her nomination, Adeline Chan, marketing manager at Geomagic, explains why Hofknecht is an inspiration, “Cathy has taught us the importance of enjoying each and every day—especially in the midst of tough times. Her strength, courage, resilience, and positive outlook on life never cease to amaze everyone at Geomagic.”

Hofknecht was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004. After undergoing a lumpectomy in November of that year, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction a month later. In December 2008, less than three weeks after losing her father to bladder cancer, she was diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer.

Hofknecht underwent surgery in January, followed by 16 weeks of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation, and another surgery in August. She maintained her work and exercise schedule through her entire treatment regimen over the past eight months. According to co-workers, her boundless energy and constant smile provided no indication of what she was going through. She recently finished her treatment and is doing extremely well.

“I am honored to receive this award,” says Hofknecht. “It means a tremendous amount to me to be able to serve as an inspiration for others. I hope my story helps others deal with their challenges in life. Whether in business or in our personal lives, we don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose how we respond. With a ‘can-do’ attitude, anything is possible.”