OGDEN -- After 22 years of practice, local oncologist Dr. Vincent Hansen knows all too well what it takes to inspire cancer patients as they battle a fierce enemy.

Hansen was nominated by one of his patients, Kathy Morris, to be a torchbearer in the Olympic relay prior to the beginning of the 2002 Winter Games.

Morris, a breast cancer survivor, first went to Hansen in 1997 for chemotherapy treatments.

"I was very frightened when I went in for my initial visit, but his demeanor and his staff put me at ease. He gives you hope and lets you know that cancer isn"t necessarily fatal," Morris said.

"He works day in and day out with patients who are forced to deal with their own mortality and treats each one with respect and care."

Although deeply honored for the opportunity to be a torchbearer, Hansen said he will be representing the entire oncology community, including both caretakers and patients.

"I"m probably not the most deserving," he said.

The 56-year-old father of six said he has a deep respect and admiration for his patients.

"I see them in very challenging situations and am always impressed at how resilient the human spirit is. I feel it"s a privilege to take care of them."

Describing himself as a sporadic runner, Hansen considers his participation in the Olympic relay a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone in his age range.

The 65-day nationwide journey of the Olympic torch begins Dec. 4 in Atlanta and will weave through almost every state, covering 13,500 miles and passing through the hands of 11,500 torch bearers.

For five days the torch will blaze a path through several Utah cities and towns.

You can reach reporter Cathy McKitrick at 625-4252 or e-mail cmckitrick@standard.net.