Roswell Woman Shares Experience of Being on 'The View'

The butterflies were put to rest almost as soon as they fluttered to the surface for long-time Roswell resident Karen Durrett during her appearance on "The View" last week during which she shared how an resulted in learning her father was not biologically related to her and she was about to face breast cancer head on.

"They seated me in the Green Room and I became extremely nervous at that point, not knowing what was coming next," said Durrett.

So how do you quell nerves that come from knowing millions of viewers throughout the nation are about to hear your remarkable life story? Two words: Sherri Shepherd.

"She was like liquid Valium to me, pardon the expression. She was just such a calming presence to me," Durrett said, noting the two joked that perhaps they could be cousins since Durrett's biological father's last name is also Shepherd.

That's not to say the other hosts and production staff of the popular talk show were anything less than hospitable, they nearly all went out of their way to make Durrett feel welcome and important.

"The dressing room had my name on the door just like I was a superstar," she said. "There was a welcome goodie basket and anything I could have wanted was offered."

Durrett shared stories of meeting the women on The View and how gracious they each were. Sitting next to Whoopi Goldberg in the makeup chair, the two women watched the live Oprah series finale and remarked on how it was the end of an era.

"We were like two ladies chatting at the beauty salon," she said.

Joy Behar stopped her from leaving after the segment to marvel over Durrett's unbelievable story of finding her biological father and taking on the fight against cancer in her 50s all because she took the at-home DNA test, 23andMe.

Audience members swarmed Durrett in front of the building after the show to talk further about the revelations made through genetic testing.

"I got to share a little bit more about how I believe we're born with this information in our bodies and we should be able to access it. I don't think the [Food & Drug Administration] should be able to limit our access to it through further regulations," she said. "I'm passionate about what it’s done in my own life. So many people could take health issues into their own hands just by being aware."

Upon returning home, the dad she's known all her life made a point to call her and tell her how proud he was of her for sharing their story.

"That was my biggest fear, because it's not my intention to bring up pain for anyone else just because I'm sharing my own story. For him to call and tell me that was so great," Durrett said.

But The View appearance isn't the end of Durrett's story, though she says she's glad to be back to her "real life" in Roswell.

But, "I'm going to keep sharing," she said, relaying the fact that she's working on a book and has already gotten some positive feedback from people who are now taking steps to address their own health issues because of her story. 

Check back with Roswell Patch for more updates on Durrett's story in the future.