Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Bizzy Smith, from The Amazing Race to the More than Pink Walk

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Fans of The Amazing Race know Bizzy Smith from season 36 of the CBS show. She and her partner, Sunny Pulver, are local firefighters and moms.

But Bizzy found herself in another fight once she got home from the show, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, she's using her platform to raise awareness with Susan G. Komen.

"We're used to being the underdogs," Smith said on the show. 

Smith and Pulver captured hearts on The Amazing Race.

"So, we have to stop and figure out where we are," said Smith in one shot, noting that she's notoriously bad at directions.

The pair competed their way across South America.

"The Amazing Race was amazing," Smith exclaimed during a recent interview.

The two firefighter friends -- Bizzy for the New Berlin Fire Department -- found what they were looking for on the show.

I feel rejuvenated. I feel like this race was everything I needed," Smith said on their final episode.

Everything she needed. And, as it turned out, something more.

"In order to do that show, I had to take a physical test, a medical physical," she explained.

That physical turned up some concerns in her left breast.

So, when Bizzy got back from the show, she started traveling another long road.

"And it took me over a year, well over a year. It took me a negative mammogram, two negative ultrasounds and four different doctors," she said.

But like she did on the show, she kept pushing, eventually getting a diagnosis at the age of 36.

"So, I was DCIS stage 0, noninvasive breast cancer, and I got a double mastectomy. It was devastating. I have three young daughters. I have a 6, 4, and 2-year-old at home," Smith said.

That was more than a year ago.

Smith is now cancer free.

And she's teamed up with Susan G. Komen.

"It was a perfect fit. It's something I'm really passionate about," she said. "Literally close to my heart. "

Smith is the honorary chair for the Southeast Wisconsin More than Pink Walk, joining thousands on the lakefront for the annual event.

The Amazing Race gave her a platform to share her story and help others.

"People are getting diagnosed younger and younger, and the earlier you get diagnosed, the better," she said.

Her biggest victory: beating breast cancer.

"I like to say that The Amazing Race saved my life," she said.

Smith has another surgery in October. Right now, she's teaching at Waukesha County Technical College, but will be back fighting fires once she's cleared.

You can join Bizzy Smith this Sunday, Sept. 22 at the More than Pink Walk at Henry Maier Festival Park.

CBS 58 is proud to be a part of the walk again this year. For more information, click here. 

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].