Relay For Life Reflections

After hearing some really moving stories about people who've personally struggled with cancer, I felt that I should share my story, from the other side of the mirror.

Cancer has not been a new topic for me for sometime now. Having done a bunch of cancer research, I've never seen it as a taboo term or even as mentioned during the opening ceremony, "a death sentence."

I suppose it is for the better, as I've always looked at cancer as a disease that hasn't had a cure simply for one reason: there are too many causes to isolate a failsafe, one-size-fits-all cure that may apply for other illnesses. I've personally experienced the troubles that researchers and scientists face trying to get enough funding, since there are too many pathways that may lead to cancer, so who knows where to start?

This is why I relay. I know that cancer isn't some invincible disease, and that if we have the money and public awareness, we can beat this disease together. I relay so that people working on a cure will have the financial means to further explore the labyrinth that is cancer. I relay so that people I've met in geriatric oncology wards will have a better prognosis. I relay so that we remove the social stigma behind cancer.

That being said, just because cancer is a serious condition, doesn't mean the fundraising events have to be just as serious. Relay For Life ranged from truly inspirational stories shared by cancer survivors, to energetic, fun routines of zumba. I can say that I got to not only reconnect with myself and reflect on where I stand on cancer, but also to connect to many of those close to me, having fun, and coming together to support a worthy cause.

My favorite moment of the night would have to be our silent prayer circle, reaching out and praying for those names on the luminaria bags. Although I'm not one to pray out loud, one of the names that I prayed for was Pamela, whose bag had in parentheses, (My Mommy). These two words really rang inside me, and let me realize how blessed and fortunate I have been, that no one in my direct family has ever been diagnosed with cancer. My good wishes go out to this family, and only reinforces that I'm doing the right thing.