About Us

Jill Chaney, a Senior Accountant at First National Bank of Omaha, resides in her hometown of Geneva, Nebraska. With a passion for travel, volleyball, golf, and spending time with loved ones, she is also involved in the Fillmore County Cancer Conquerors, motivated by the impact of cancer on her family and friends, and seeks to support her community through this meaningful group.

The word cancer came into my life when I was super young, At the age of 9 I was told that my mom has  been diagnosed with brain cancer. Talk about not seeing what your future as a family could be like. This  moment was very scary to me, to think I might not have my mom around to watch me grow, answer my questions about life, just plain scary. Thought of loosing my mom made me build a wall to not let  myself get hurt. The next two years were hard on the whole family, but the day that we heard mom was  in remission was one of the best days of my life. My mom has been in remission for 15 years now!  “Congrats momma I love you so much and are so proud to call you my mom. You have shown me how  courageous one woman can be.” Over the last 15 years I have learned to not push people away  because life is way to short. I have seen more of my family members and friends go through cancer,  those who are survivors or those I hold close to my heart now. In honor of those around me that have  had cancer, I tattooed the word HOPE with the O being a purple ribbon in support of all cancers, and  infinity signs all around my ankle. Through out these years I have followed my mom and her team in the fight against cancer and to raise money for the American Cancer Society. After college I moved to York, and since being “out in the real world” I have served as a team captain to the Cornerstone Bank - York  Team, and a committee member to the York County Relay for Life. Since moving back to Fillmore  County I am happy to say I am now starting my first year in the Fillmore County Cancer Conquerors. I  am happy to be able to help the community that took my care of my mom and family, those who  brought so much information, care, prayers, and love to my life. Let’s Kick Cancers Ass!

I’ve lived in Fillmore County all of my life except for a short stint in York. My husband and I currently  live on his family farm between Geneva and Shickley. We have 3 children, a son who lives in Geneva  and 2 daughters. One lives in Omaha and the other in Manhattan KS. I got involved with Relay for Life  because of family and for who had been diagnosed with cancer. I am glad that we have formed  Fillmore County Cancer Conquerors so that funds stay home and we can help more of us.

My name is Denice Kovanda and I have been a part of Relay For Life and Fillmore County Cancer  Conquerors since 2005. I began with Relay when both of my kids chaired the Doane Relay For Life. During that time we began to lose close family members and friends. Watching what the families were  going through strengthened my resolve to do what I could to help those affected by this disease.

Hello I’m Jackie Swartzendruber and I’ve been with “Relay” since 2005 when it was known as American  Cancer Society Relay for Life. I am a brain cancer survivor and now 15 years in remission. I also have  taken care of family with cancer. I am very passionate about the new group the Fillmore County Cancer  Conquerors. We are small but mighty and will work in the county to keep fighting this dreadful disease!  Let’s kick Cancer’s Ass!!

Hello! I am Maddie Taylor and I was born and raised here in Geneva. I currently work as PTA at Fillmore  County Hospital and have been there for over 12 years. I have been on and off working with Relay for  life since I was little. I fell in love with the group when walking around the track and seeing all of the  luminaries lit up. The sheer number of them is what made me want to do more. I helped with Relay for  Life at Nebraska Wesleyan for 4 years. After getting settled back in Geneva, I became involved with our  Fillmore County Relay for Life. Relay for Life did a lot of great things for those battling cancer, but we  decided it was time to keep our efforts local and transition our now known Fillmore County Cancer  Conquerors. This group has been amazing to work with and I love what we we do to help those  affected by cancer locally.  

My name is Pamela Rose and I live in Geneva. I am retired from YRTC-Geneva. I have 3 children,  Cassandra, Lindsey, and Daniel. I’m blessed with 8 grandchildren. I became involved with the Fillmore  County Cancer Conquerors after 42 years of marriage to James Rose who battled thyroid cancer for 12  years before succumbing to advanced metastatic thyroid cancer in 2020.

I am a Colorado native who moved to Nebraska in 2009, then Geneva in 2012. Small town  living was an adjustment for me but I have really come to love it. I currently work for Dr.  Vonderfecht in Milligan and in Deshler. I also own my own business doing Permanent  Cosmetics, Paramedical Tattooing and fine line tattoos in Geneva. She is an avid animal lover  who is a dog mom to two pit bull rescues who are the biggest lovers and very spoiled. When I  am not at work you can find me on the golf course, traveling, watching sports or making  something new in the kitchen. I have been affected by cancer on a personal level with family  and many friends. This is my driving force to help those around me and my community while  they fight their battle.