Jenny Sanford is easing into an advocacy role, choosing cancer and preventative health as the issue she will champion as first lady.

She expects to appear at some events this fall, as her schedule allows. She spent Monday afternoon at Palmetto Health Richland hospital, recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

She talked about the history of cancer in the adults in her family. She has lost four relatives to cancer, and both her mother and mother-in-law have battled it.

"Whenever I meet children who have cancer, what's impressive to me is how much they have to teach us."

She honored the artwork of a half-dozen children and presented each one with a commemorative S.C. coin.

Cole Conner, 12, of Irmo, is suffering from leukemia and was facing a new round of chemotherapy on Tuesday. He said he enjoyed chatting with the first lady -- and getting the coin.

"She said it won't buy anything, but I said I just wanted it for my collection."