Published: May 01, 2008 04:13 pm            

A story about breast cancer

Most people try to avoid thinking about cancer unless it directly affects them. When an individual or a loved one receives the diagnosis that no one wants to hear, shock and fear are common first responses. Then, if the patient is lucky, everyone around her goes into crisis mode.

Doctors and nurses clear the way for special tests and treatments. Family and friends rally to provide meals and assistance with everything from taxi services to bringing fresh flowers. Cards and prayers pour in along with hugs and sympathy.

If the patient is really lucky, a good friend will shave her head in the privacy of her home before the chemotherapy treatments start to work their magic. At least that was the way it was for me. But, I was one of the lucky ones.

In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Life for my family and me ceased to exist as we knew it. Everything changed rapidly as we were forced to live with cancer and to think about cancer on a daily basis for 16 months. Fortunately, I had an incredible support system with my family, friends, and medical team, and I survived. Too many patients, however, do not.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, which will be held June 6-7 at the North Georgia Fairgrounds, is the world’s largest not-for-profit fundraising event. Teams are forming to walk the Relay, but we need the community’s help in meeting this year’s goal to raise $100,000 in the fight against cancer.

People walk the Relay for many reasons. It is a way to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember loved ones lost to the disease, and to fight back.

There are various ways to support the Relay For Life event. Survivors are invited to participate in a special walk to honor those individuals who are living examples of the successful fight against cancer. They will receive a “Celebrate Life” t-shirt and a dinner. There is no cost for a survivor to participate in this event.

Another way to support the Relay is to purchase a luminary to honor a survivor or to remember a loved one lost to cancer. These candles, which will line the track at sunset, will display the names of those being honored. The luminaries are $10 each.

Finally, fight back. Join a team, make a donation, or become a sponsor. Your efforts will help in the American Cancer Society’s work to prevent cancer, save lives, and to diminish suffering from this disease.

No one wants to have to think about cancer. My family and friends are walking the Relay with the hope that in the future fewer people will.

Contact the local American Cancer Society office at (706) 278-1960 or visit their website at http://events.cancer.org/rflwhitfield to find out more about joining Relay For Life.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.