CARRBORO, N.C. -- Elizabeth Edwards made her first public appearance Wednesday in North Carolina since her husband, former presidential candidate and Senator John Edwards, publicly admitted in August to having an affair.

Elizabeth Edwards hosted a roundtable discussion about the effects of McCain’s health plan at Piedmont Health Services Community Health Center in Orange County.

In addition to having to deal with her husband's infidelity, Edwards is also battling an incurable form of cancer, raising two young children while her oldest daughter is in law school and pleading with politicians for a universal health care plan.

Despite juggling so many jobs, Edwards was all smiles Wednesday as she sat down to talk about what she’s so passionate about -- health care.

"The more we focus on something outside ourselves, the stronger we all are," she said during the discussion.

In a one-on-one interview with News 14 Carolina, Edwards said she is feeling strong and healthy.

"I'm doing well," she said with a smile. "I get periodic medical tests and my most recent tests appear to say that I'm not any worse than I was 19 months ago, so that's pretty good. If I can keep that up, I'm in business."

It was standing room only as dozens of people packed the room for the roundtable discussion. Reporters with notepads, laptop computers and cameras took up much of the space, leaving some supporters struggling to catch a glimpse as they stood in a doorway.

"She's doing what every woman should do and that is to continue with her life," explained Bonnie Britton, a North Carolina resident and Elizabeth Edwards admirer who attended the roundtable discussion. "Your life is not just your personal life, it’s your professional life and then your family, your children, and you do what you have to do for your kids."

Edwards did not talk about her husband's admitted affair, but she did say what was so important that she felt she had to get back into the national spotlight.

"This is a time when if you're going to exert your energy, this is a good time to be doing it, to make sure that health care stays on the agenda and that people understand the differences and the positions of the candidates on this important issue," she explained. "I expect to stay really busy between now and the fourth of November [election day]. It's an important enough issue to say I need to speak now."

Elizabeth Edwards said no matter who wins the presidential election, she hopes to work with them to create a universal health plan that will work for all Americans.

Also on Wednesday, John Edwards has scheduled his first public speaking engagement since he admitted to the affair. It will happen on Nov. 11 at Indiana University, exactly one week after the election.