"Relay for Life" is an instrumental part of the American Cancer Society that allows individuals and communities to get involved in the war against cancer. Across the country, thousands of men, women and their families come together for a weekend to unite in expanding knowledge concerning cancer prevention, treatment and increasing research funding. It is a fun-filled experience that honors survivors and those who have succumbed to cancer.
In November 2007, I had the opportunity to share my battle with breast cancer. I was initially diagnosed in 2001 with Stage 0 breast cancer. I underwent a full mastectomy and reconstruction; my doctors felt further treatment was unnecessary. I had nearly 5 years (actually, 4 years and 10 months) of good health--a cancer patients answered prayer! Yet, it was not to be. March 2006, I saw an oncologist in Orlando, FL, who stunned me with the information that my cancer had come back with a vengeance! I now had metastatic breast cancer--it had spread to my sternum and rib cage--and was classfied as Stage 4
My journey has included endless testing, poking, prodding and 
reading. I've undergone mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiation, more surgery and medical appointments. Yet, I attribute my prolonged life to my faith in God as well as the astounding advances in medicine since my initial diagnosis. As I say to all of my fellow "overcomers" (people facing all types of physical challenges), if I can do it, anyone can! I'm an ordinary person who serves an extraordinary God!
Many of us do not realize the staggering numbers of people finding out they have cancer in one form or another. Cancer is the #6 cause of death for women in the United States. While the rate of death due to cancer is decreasing in the US, we have a long way to go to stop the numbers of new cases each year. All of us can take part in spreading the word to our family and friends to closely examine our eating habits, lifestyles and stress levels in order to avoid cancer.
I was grateful to persuade members of the Chamber of Commerce to support and/or take part in this year's "Relay for Life". Employers are both directly and indirectly affected by cancer. Employees battling cancer lose productivity, increase health insurance premiums, and cannot remain in key business roles to advance the company's goals and objectives. What is needed? Earlier detection, more funding for research, sound plans for insuring ALL Americans -- basically, dollars and more dollars!
In recent years, the American Cancer Society and "Relay for Life" have raised millions of dollars toward the goal of eradicating cancer in our lifetime. Small, local teams have contributed tens of thousands of dollars by simply doing what comes easily to them: sending emails, phone calling, hosting parties, having yard sales to raise dollars for Relay. We can all do something to protect our loved ones from cancer. No idea is too small and no effort is wasted; we each have a positive impact on this mission.
Please join me in supporting the 2009 Relay for Life in your community! Go to the ACS web site at http://www.cancer.org/ or to http://www.relayforlife.org/ and join a team in your area.
