Daredevil Grandma Living Her "Bucket List"

Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer, 79-Year-Old Susie Mann Has Bunch of Adventures for Time She Has Left

(CBS)  Susie Mann, a 79-year-old grandmother, has always been a bit of a daredevil. She's gone swimming with sharks, paddled down a foaming river on a raft, and even harnessed herself to a bungee cord for a 400-foot cliff dive over Africa's Zambezi River.

Mann told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez, "I don't think I've ever been scared of the unknown. I think I take it as a challenge."

Now, Mann's been diagnosed with terminal intestinal cancer. However, she refuses to slow down.

Mann said on "The Early Show" Friday, "Enjoy life. Absolutely enjoy it. It's a gift."

Mann was told she had cancer last spring. Her doctor said she had six-to-nine months to live.

How did she react? "I said, 'Oh good, that'll give us time to do things.' And he almost fell off the chair!"

The grandmother of four has created a "bucket list" of adventures she will complete with her family by her side.

Mann went hang-gliding recently, flying 2,500 feet above her family, who watched her from below.

"It was great," Mann said. "It really was. It was so quiet up there. You really felt like a bird."

Next on her list is to go skydiving, this coming weekend. Soon, she also plans to swim with dolphins and descend into the Grand Canyon on a donkey.

Mann has refused treatment for her cancer. Her reason? She told Rodriguez, simply, "Who wants to be sick all that time?"

Mann's daughter, Louise Weadock, said she wishes her mother would receive treatment. However, she said she admires her mother's ability to move forward, despite the diagnosis.

Weadlock said, "There are times when we want to sit back on the curb, lick our wounds, have our own little pity party, and she's out there playing the game."

Rodriguez asked Mann what she says to people who are feeling down.

She responded, "Get over it. Get over it. I don't have any time for that. ... I love life. I really do. I've been very, very, very lucky."

To Mann, dying is another part of living. She said, "It doesn't have to come to an end. It can be a beginning. ... Dying is just another page of life, just a different journey in a different place."

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Read Susie Mann's blog.

[wheel35]

Great story there ought to be more of them. People who love life no matter what they have been handed. I don't know who reads these or if there is a way of contacting Susie's family but I saw one of her son's was a quadraplegic and was sitting the skydive out. Was that his choice? I too am a quad and I like Susia live it to the fullest I've gone bungee Jumping, skiing, hang gliding, hot air ballooning and yes skydiving all since my accident 23 years ago. I hope to let him know he can share in his moms adventures
God Bless you Susie Live Life

[msmkkm]

We just lost our mother this summer to cancer, and what a wonderful story this was to see this morning. I can imagine her family's pride, and what a gift she is to them.

[sam-kiley]

bonjour grandma susie
il faut dire que vous vivez a 200 a l'heure suzie bravo, je suis sous le charme
je suis entiérement d'accord avec vous.. ce n'est pas un cancer de l'intestin qui vous ralentira; aprés tout qui sait de quoi est fait demain, l'espoir est toujours là alors go suzie.bis au revoir..

[woeisme1]

I remember some years back a professor giving a speech on the subject of Christ's return.

He asked the class what would they do differently right now if they knew that Christ was returning to judge the world in ten minutes.

Many gave answers that were all spitual sounding, sactimonious and testamonial except this one guy way in the back. He raised his hand and said, "Nothing. I would'nt do anything different. I am living. That's what God wants me to do".

Good for this woman. Thats what God wants her to do too.

[ramos1129]

by mrs_fresno September 11, 2009 1:59 PM EDT
This woman should be in church praying that her soul be saved and accepted into heaven instead she is doing a lot of foolish nonsense.
-------------------------------------------

Look....The good lord gave us all life, a wonderful gift. It would be sarilige to waste it. She is living life to its fullest as He intended it to be. The lady has no time (or do I) for folks like you.

[ramos1129]

A bautiful wonderful human being. She has set a great example for others in the same boat.

[smileyinkansas]

Grandma Mann....YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! Your words are such an inspiration... and you are so positive! Watching this story this morning made my day, I walked away crying and smiling, because you touched me so much! Thank you for your words of wisdom! God has blessed you and is truly still blessing you! What a beautiful lady you are....enjoy your adventures!

[mswolfestock]

Grandmother Mann -- You GO Girl! I wish I had one tenth of her courage.

[smileyinkansas]

I really don't think you should be judging Mrs. Mann's decisions, nor her christianity! That is your opinion on "foolish nonsense", but the Jesus Christ that I worship, is applauding her because of her positive attitude and fullfilling her dreams....God gave her a few months to live...Live her life to the fullest. I pray that you never have to go through something like this, because I believe you will be a lonely, sad, hopeless woman going through it alone.

[MPHgrad]

Ms. Mann, you are awesome! You are an inspiration indeed.

BruceBouldin,
Reading your post brought me such peace. A chaplain brought so much comfort and perspective to my family earlier this year in a very trying time. I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated.

[BruceBouldin]

I applaud this woman and her winning attitude and her zest to live life to the fullest. Sometimes treatment is the correct choice yet other people choose to live whatever time they have to the fullest, which can be just a correct for that person.

Seven years ago today 09/11/02 I was told I only had 6 months to live, obviously, the doctor miscalculated. In 2003, a different doctor discovered that I had cancer. Not only did I have cancer but it was a very rare type of cancer and a typo of cancer which they know very little about.

As a chaplain and I have had and have the privilege to work with a host of different people, including people facing life threatening or terminal illnesses. I believe that if a person faces their condition with a positive outlook the chance to overcome their illness is greatly enhanced and live or die they will enjoy whatever life they have much better with a positive outlook.

[tmittelstaed]

You say "had", were you cured?

[rocketjl]

There really isn't anything else to say, the lady said it all.

[dnamj]

Awesome. What a wonderful attitude, and so refreshing. This shows how the ability to let go of fear brings you real freedom.

[dnamj]

Awesome. What a wonderful attitude, and so refreshing. This shows how the ability to let go of fear brings you real freedom.

[willow013]

That lady has taken the words right out of my mouth....She surely is a kindred spirit.....I have felt the same for years.....We don't know when our time is up, but until it is, make the most of every day.....

[pollroller1]

God Bless you Susie Mann. You go girl.

[1notrub11]

I agree, a wonderful woman and person. Everyone should have a positive attitude when confronted with such extraordinary issues as end of life. More power to her and I hope she thoroughly enjoys "experiencing" whatever is on her list. Sounds like fun!

[gramto8]

What an amazing attitude this LADY has!! I use capital letters because I wish to emphasize the fact that she IS a lady, in the truest sense of the word. I only hope I have as much gumption when I reach the end of life that she has.