It would be an easy answer to say that I got involved in Relay because my Mom is a cancer Survivor. She was diagnosed with skin cancer on her leg a long time ago. The doctors cut a chunk of flesh from her calf and she was cancer free. Mom does not like to call herself a Survivor because she did not have to go through chemo or radiation, but I remind her that people today do not get large chunks removed from their legs anymore. The surgeries are far less intensive and people with her type of skin cancer are happy to have simpler procedures, and it is because of the gains made from research funded by the American Cancer Society that have led to these breakthroughs. Mom, you were told, "You have cancer." And you are still here; you're a Survivor!
It would be an easy answer to say that I got involved in Relay because I have lost a few aunts and uncles to cancer, including my Aunt Grace. She is my Dad's sister, and my cousin Adam and I are the same age. I remember once growing up Adam and I were playing board games on the floor if his bedroom. Aunt Grace came in and asked us if we wanted something to eat, and I asked for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Aunt Graces took the plural, sandwiches, quite seriously. She came back with a platter of PB&Js all cut in half withe crust removed. So good! We lost Grace to cancer 7 years ago.
Although these are two reasons I remain involved in Relay, they are not the reason I got started. When I was 23 years old, in grad school and working three jobs, my best friend Brenda was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. At the time, her form of cancer had a 5% chance of living 5 years. As scary as that was to hear about my best friend, I can't imagine how she felt being told that by her doctor. I witnessed how hard chemo is on a person's body. I saw how much pain radiation could cause to a person's skin. I felt helpless watching Brenda not be able to keep food down. Helpless as she felt like getting out of bed was an overwhelming chore. Helpless that everything she ate tasted like metal.
I tried to make her days brighter. I brought her Coke Slurpees, her favorite. I would bring over the latest comedy albums to lay in bed with her, listen and hope to laugh. I would drive her to appointments, and read Motherhood magazines in the waiting room. Not a lot of choice at some of the doctor's offices she needed to visit. When she felt up to it, we went for walks. When she felt up to it, we went out to dinner. Through all of it, I still felt helpless. I could not take her cancer away.
Her battle lasted a few years, and I moved on from grad school and started working at Skyview Jr High, where Relay For Life of Northshore is held each year. I walked to the office to ask questions and was directed to Frank Dellino's office. He is a counselor there and was on the planning committee for Relay. He told me about the event and spoke passionately about the cause. I was sold. I asked Brenda if I could form a team in her honor. She replied, "Only if I can be your Co-Captain!"
9 years later, Brenda is cancer free. She works for the American Cancer Society, and I have been Event Chair for the Northshore event for three years. I believe the work that we do at Relay is making a difference. I truly believe that we will have a cure for cancer in my lifetime! Remember Brenda's odds? 5% chance at 5 years. That type of cancer now has a 60% chance. That is progress!
Relay For Life of Northshore is tomorrow! We have some new attractions and some ceremonies that are amazing. I would like to see all of you there if even for only a moment. As Event Chair, I am usually running around like a mad man, but I will give you a hug and say thanks! If you have kids, bring them to our Kid's Fair from 2-4:30pm.
In my last post, I suggested that of you felt inclined to, you could donate because I kept my weight off for a year. A few people have felt so inclined. Thank you!!
I am gonna be more direct now, I am asking you to donate. Our event has a Goal of $200,000, which would make us Mega-Event Status. Looking at our numbers compared to last year, we are projected to come in a little short...that is until you all come through with some more cancer fighting, life saving funds! Use the link below and help us save more lives!
http://main.acsevents.org/
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