Join survivors at Relay for Life, help find cure
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Relay for Life is a community event featuring teams of people that camp out and walk throughout the night in order to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. This year’s Lake County Relay for Life takes place at the Ronan High School Track on Friday, July 11. Family- friendly with fun competitions and entertainment, it’s an event that shouldn’t be missed.
Every month, almost 4,500 Montanans go to the ACA website (cancer.org) for information. More than 100 calls are made by Montana residents to speak with ACS cancer information specialists (1-800-227-2345) every 30 days. Besides vital scientific research spending, RFL dollars pay for important programs such as “Reach to Recovery”; free transportation for Lake County residents to go to treatment; free wigs, prostheses, and other items for eligible cancer patients; free or reduced- rate lodging for patients and family members traveling long distances for cancer treatments; and more.
To me, the fight for a cure is personal. I am a breast cancer survivor. I witnessed my mother’s death three years ago: the result of pancreatic cancer. My brother-in-law has survived renal cancer. I’ve lost even more family members and friends to this devastating disease. I know many who are fighting for their lives. As a health care worker, I’ve witnessed the darkest depths of cancer’s reach and the joyful heights of each victory won.
The American Cancer Society has awarded more than $3.8 billion in research grants since 1946. Thanks to the progress that has been made, nearly 14 million people in the USA who have had cancer will be celebrating birthdays this year. I don’t know anyone who has not been affected by cancer in some way. Relay for Life is a wonderful way to remind us of the many people in our lives who are cancer survivors, caregivers, and those who have not been able to survive the disease. Buy a luminaria to honor a loved one. For the sake of your own health, stay informed with cancer awareness information.
We are getting closer to a cure, but it’s not yet time to quit. Every contribution makes a difference. Please join me at the Ronan High School Track at 7 p.m. on the 11th of July. See you there.
