It’s been over forty years since Zelpho Womack was in a bowling alley, and she’s been through quite a lot in that time. Now, however, she’s back!

“It was the only sport [where I lived] and I really got involved in it and I really liked it,” she explained. “I don’t know why. It was just the thrill of throwing the ball down there and I was able to bowl four 300 games.”

It’s been quite a long time since Zelpho was able to do many of the things that she likes to do.

“I had cancer in 2008 and then again in 2011,” Zelpho said.

Zelpho has fought cancer three times while also battling cellulitis.

“I was told that I would never walk again and that was the wrong thing to tell me because I was bound and determined,” she said. “You know what? I’m going to walk.”

Defying the odds, Zelpho took her first steps walking up to a bowling lane.

“I’m just so excited. It was so much fun just to release that ball,” she exclaimed. “And all of a sudden it’s like you’re back in 50 years ago. You know, what I used to do.”

Not only was Zelpho able to walk, she was also able to throw a bowling ball for the first time in decades. She had the opportunity to play alongside a group of blind bowlers on Tuesday, something that was on her to-do list for months.

“It’s just been a positive thing, you know? Bees are busy and they’re positive and they’re always working,” she said, explaining the significance of the bee on her customized bowling shirt.

The bee is identical to two bee tattoos Zelpho has to represent two of her battles with cancer. The bees serve as daily reminders for her to stay positive.

“Be happy. Get busy, you know? Do what you can do and enjoy life because you might not have that much longer,” she said. “But who cares? Go do what you can do.”

Find out more about this incredible woman in the video below.