By Sara Richardson
“Cancer” is a term that is all too familiar to me. I first learned of cancer 36 years ago when my grandmother, Sarah King, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away a few short months later. Since that day, I have also lost my father, Bob King, to kidney cancer and my sister, Teresa Jackson, to colon cancer. I have lost two uncles, an aunt, and a first cousin to cancer. This is why I relay……to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer.
Several other of my family members are surviving cancer! One year ago, my mother-in-law, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am happy to report that because of cancer research funded by the American Cancer Society, today she is a cancer survivor. I am excited that over 100 cancer survivors have pre-registered for this years event! This is why I relay…… to celebrate the lives of those who have had cancer.
This is why I relay…. so that my nine-year old daughter, the remainder of my family, and my friends will never have to hear those words…”you have cancer.” I Relay to fight back so that one day cancer will be eliminated.
Relay For Life is a fun, overnight family event that raises awareness of cancer and raises funds to fight cancer. There is something for everyone at Relay For Life. All cancer survivors are invited to take part in special survivor activities. Through out the evening, the various teams hold on-site fund-raisers where you can purchase almost any type of food from Mexican food, pizza, hot dogs, soup beans and corn bread, fried bologna, and peanut butter and jelly.
As the sun goes down, hundreds of luminaria candles light up the track and a moment of silence falls during the Ceremony of hope. It is one of the most special and moving events of the entire Relay.
I could go on and on about Relay, but I could never adequately describe to you how special it is. You just have to be there! As a co-chair of the 2008 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Event, I invite all of you to join me at the Carter County Shriner’s Horseshow Grounds in Olive Hill this Friday evening, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. as we Celebrate our Survivors, Remember our loved ones that we have lost, and Fight Back for a cure so that one day cancer will be eliminated!
By Sara Richardson
