We asked people to tell us why they participate in Relay For Life. Here is what they told us:


"I will be honest.  I do not like to be associated with cancer.  I prefer to
think of my personal bout with cancer as an event in my past.  As a female,
I do not like the war terminology "survivor," "victim," "fight," "beat," and
so forth.  I do not wear a pink ribbon.  Why, then, am in involved in the
Relay For Life?  I will tell you.  My surgeon, oncologist, and radiologist
each knew how to best cleanse my body of cancer.  My daughter's surgeon
knew to carve significantly more out of her leg than seemed reasonable. 
These skilled doctors were informed by research. I Relay to support the
advancements in the treatment of cancer.  I may have a recurrence. 
My daughter stands a heightened risk of developing the same cancer I had,
in addition to her other type.  And millions of others will certainly be
diagnosed with cancer.  I participate to support further research to fully
understand and effectively treat this disease.  I walk for a cure."

- Joan Kennedy, Massachusetts

"My mother died 7 years ago from lung cancer.  She battled in and out of the
hospital and with the care of hospice.  There were many times and many
ways that we wished we could have helped her medically, emotionally
and physically.  Knowing what I know now about the American
Cancer Society patient services, I had wish I had seen a poster, its phone
number, or Web site. My goal is to get this information out to the families
of cancer patients so that they can get the support they need.
Relay For Life also is a way to remember my mother and a way for my
children, who did not know her, to learn who she was and share in her
memory. Relay is now a family tradition; it is who we are and a way of life for us. 
When my 9-year-old son is asked to share his favorite holiday or tradition,
he chooses to tell Relay stories."

- Gina Bowman, NH

"Relay is a way for me to give back...When I was diagnosed with breast cancer my friends and family fought with me and for me.  My friends formed a Relay team to support me and now I Relay to support those who may need my help...I am one of the lucky ones."

- Susan Glucksman, Connecticut

"So here is why I walk. April 2008 my mom had a sore back. We were told it
was a pinched nerve or possibly the way she sat at work. We had no clue
what was hiding behind that simple back pain. In May my mom lost the ability
to walk. I will never forget the image of my Dad and my brother Darrin
helping mom out of the house that sunny Saturday. Little did she know it
would be the last time she would be in her home. Eventually she was admitted
and they FINALLY gave her an MRI. Ironically, the next morning was Mother's
Day and I had wonderful news to share with her: I was expecting. As I
entered her hospital room, her doctor entered with me. He said, "Your mom is
very sick". I couldn't believe the words that followed: Multiple Myeloma. . .
Mom was so brave as she faced the treatments and the many complications
that followed. God had different plans for her; he did not want her to suffer.
Just 9 weeks and 2 days later mom passed away. When my daughter
asked why Nana had to go to heaven I simply tell her God needed a very
special Nana to help him with all the babies in heaven. She is satisfied with
that answer for now. I walk because I don't want any other grandbabies
growing up without their special Nana."

- Julie Moore, Massachusetts 

"On April 23, 2006, I was told those words no woman should have to hear:
"You have breast cancer."  I was 34. I knew that the ride was going to be
hectic and bumpy but I knew that if I didn't do it...well you know, I would die. 
I had 8 rounds of chemo therapy and 36 rounds of radiation and I have to take
tamoxifen daily for 2 more years, not to mention the Lupron shot every
3 months to suppress the estrogen in my body.  BUT I AM HERE, ALIVE
and WELL...a little more of me to hug, but I am here to see my kids Isabella
7 and Joey 6 grow up. . . My first Relay was weird for lack of a better word. 
I cried A LOT.  My second Relay was better. I was comfortable, but I still
cried like a baby.  I guess I cry because I am grateful to God and everyone
who helped me fight breast cancer, and because I am proud of myself that
I fought the toughest thing in my life and WON. Last year I walked with my
Mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 28, 2009. She is
here with me because of what the Relay does.  It helps with research and
getting closer to a cure.  It makes those who have to deal with this dreaded
disease not have to have painful treatments and  invasive procedures. I
walk for those who can't and because I can."

- Rose-Marie Mastroianni, Connecticut

"First I Relay in honor of my dear uncle Ed.  He was a man that left us far
too quickly after an unexpected diagnosis.  After learning that the cancer
had taken over his body, in just a matter of weeks he was gone.  Sadly, I
have lost many family members to cancer and work every day with other
families that are suffering the affects of cancer.  This horrible disease
touches far too many people physically, emotionally, financially, and
spiritually.  I Relay to be a part of the change."

- Angela Root, Connecticut

"Cancer comes as an invitation you really didn't want to get. I will Relay this
year in solidarity with all those who got that invitation and journeyed through
with determination and courage. I Relay this year for those who now
have a hope-filled prognosis, and for those whose journey ended in death,
and those they left behind. I Relay this year in thanksgiving for having survived
and for my family and friends who stood by me and cheered me on all the way."

- Christine Milner, Massachusetts

"Many reasons and too many people....As the years of my life have passed
- this horrible disease has woven itself into the fabric my life.  It has
touched and, regrettably, taken people I love....  Though my efforts may
only be baby steps, they are steps toward a cure.  It's the best
way, for now, I can show support to family, friends, and acquaintances
who have had to or are having to face their battle with cancer. We are
fighting a valiant fight........May God bless each and every one of you in
the fight... and all of us walking around tracks across the nation as we
Relay For Life."

 - Sheila Chittum, New Hampshire

"This is my 1st year "relaying"...I was diagnosed with breast cancer in
November and just finished my last round of chemo. I am doing the
Survivors' Lap to support all who are struggling through this terrible disease
and also as a celebration of my road to recovery. I also am walking for all
the wonderful nurses at the cancer center who always lifted my spirits."

- Catherine Holt, Maine

"I Relay in memory of my niece Leanne Nicole Gannon, who was
diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the tender age of six months. Leanne
was never in remission for more than six months when the cancer would
come back, yet she fought hard for the next five years until the disease
finally took her away from us. I Relay for the family and friends that stood
by Leanne and made the life she had here wonderful and filled with
happy memories. And I Relay for the future generations of tender young
spirits so they won't have to fight this fight and for the families who won't
have to feel this devastating loss. And I Relay for the survivors to celebrate
their strength and determination."

- Sharon Gannon, Massachusetts

"I Relay first for my father who I lost to lung cancer, second for all those
who cannot Relay ,and third so that families in the future will not have to
suffer through the needless and preventable loss of a loved one to cancer. 
I Relay throughout the year by sharing my story, my strength, my passion
and my hope.  I am so fortunate to be here and able to walk the track year
after year... I Relay so that more can walk with me."

- Lynne Peters, Rhode Island

"I Relay because we carry a banner with pictures and the names of 28
close friends and loving family members we have lost to cancer,  pictures
and names of 17 more family and friends who have fraught and won or
are still fighting their battle. Sadly, this year the hope that we would never
have to add another name to this banner was dampened when two more
names were added to the list of lost and three more to the list of the
fighters. Our hope and armor damaged, our hearts broken, we will keep walking."

Suzanne Simmons, 17-year survivor, Massachusetts

"I Relay in memory of my mom, Margaret Deland.  She died of lung cancer
because of smoking.  I try to make a difference and fight for legislation to
raise the cigarette tax and to also bring awareness to the youth
so they won't start smoking and eventually die from lung cancer.  My
mom was the best and I miss her every day!  Relay is a great way to raise
awareness and to raise money in the fight against cancer!"

- Valierie Deland-Thurston, Massachusetts

"I Relay in honor of my mother.  In 2007 my mother was
diagnosed with breast cancer. She has now been cancer free for seven
months!!!  I am so proud of her and the strength she portrayed through
the daily struggles during her treatments and surgeries.  Never once did she
complain or show any signs of giving up!  I know that because of events
like Relay For Life, and caring people who are coming together, that
my mother received another chance. This June my mother will walk the
Survivors' Lap and I will proudly be walking next to her!"

- Ashley Hallquist, Massachusetts

"I Relay because I am a survivor.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer
on 11/7/1996.  It is a day I will never forget.  I actually thought it would be
nothing when my doctor called to tell me I needed a biopsy.  My younger
sister had just been diagnosed in June 1996 with breast cancer so what
were the chances of us both going through it at the same time?  So needless
to say, after a lumpectomy on 11/25 and a port put in on 12/12, I would be
starting my first chemo treatment on 12/27/1996.  My sister and I actually
went together. Fortunately she was on a milder chemo then I was on and,
yes, I lost my hair and was sick for the first 4 treatments.  The next 8 went
much smoother along with the standard 32 radiation treatments.  I was
cancer free for 4 1/2 years - then my second spot appeared giving
me another 28 treatments of radiation and hormone therapy.  My third
trip was found during a pet scan and changing the hormone therapy
got rid of the 3 spots.  Then after another round of radiation I managed
to get rid of the spot on my sacrum bone. Yes, the story continues but this
time I can say I was really scared, 3 spots on my liver.  You are always
scared, but when you hear the liver you really think your days are
numbered.  I have been on chemo for the last 3 years on a weekly basis. 
You have good days and bad days, but as long as the good outweigh the
bad then you keep pushing.  Each year I have had to change my chemo
because there may be another spot or it looks a little bigger.  But I fight for
my family.  I fight to be here for my daughter who lost her father to
melanoma 5 years ago.  She may be 25 years old, but she still needs a
parent to be here to celebrate her life.  I fight hoping that someday there
may be a cure to prevent my daughter from this same fate.  I also did not
mention, I lost my mother to breast cancer in 1975.  I was 15 years old. 
I fight because my mother never had the chance to fight."

- Pam Turcotte, Maine

"My reason to by involved in Relay for Life started when my mom, at age
65, developed a tumor on her ovary.  It was STAGE 2 ovarian cancer.  It
was a quite aggressive cancer which they haven't had much success with
over many years.  I'm hoping that the money that is brought to the
American Cancer Society finds a way to catch these deadly cancers before they take over our mothers' lives.  TO ALL MOTHERS, I RELAY FOR YOU!"

Susan Soyland, Connecticut

"I Relay because as a cancer survivor of two bouts, I don't want my girls
to have to go through what I have been through.  Donating to Relay
For Life means donating to research which may help find more or better
screening techniques, and education, so that all women are informed. 
It supports research in hopes of finding the cause, or a vaccine for prevention,
and new treatments.There is nothing better that I can do for my girls than
to support cancer research."

- Sharon Spinney, Massachusetts

"In late 2005, I was diagnosed with AML- leukemia. Throughout the first
half of 2006, I endured several rounds of chemotherapy and thankfully, my
leukemia was put into remission.  Shockingly, in October of 2007 my
cancer returned and it was determined I undergo a bone marrow transplant.
I entered Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in early December 2007 and was
given my brother's bone marrow.  Due to life-threatening complications, I
was hospitalized for many long weeks and weeks into months.  Thankfully,
my condition improved and in remission again, I was finally released. It is
now 16 months from transplant and I am out of isolation and back to work.  
This experience has been more challenging than I could ever explain. 
After what I have endured, I want to do anything I can to prevent others from
having to go through this horrifying ordeal. I am always grateful to be
walking in the inspirational Survivors' Lap."

- Kevin Simmons, Maine

"One may think that working with cancer patients is a sad and depressing job.
Many days it is very sad and it can be depressing, but most days there is so
much joy!  People affected by cancer realize the importance of appreciating
each and every day. Each blessed moment. Many of the burdens of everyday
life are set aside or even forgotten and the really important things become
front and center stage. Loving each other and supporting one another is
what is really important. Caring for each other and having compassion. A smile,
a hug, a few words of praise, holding ones hand or just listening are the things
that mean so much!! Families bond and forget old wounds. Friends laugh,
share, and even cry with each other. Each day we celebrate victories with
people as they overcome life's toughest challenges and lend a shoulder for
the families of those who don't. Seeing these very real human emotions
each day is the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed and it touches
the deepest place in my heart to see this kind of humanity."

- Linda Daudelin Harmon, Maine

"I first started Relay just because I wanted to get involved.  A couple people
at work were actually battling cancer and we wanted to do something.
2008 was my first year.  Low and behold, two weeks after getting started,
my husband was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer.  He was found to have
a tumor in his bladder.  This really hit home and I knew I had to be positive
and help him fight this.  Well, here we are a year later, and he is still going
strong.  And my drive for supporting the Relay is even stronger. I started my
own team this year, and am already working on ideas to improve the team next
year.  My team name is "Inspired by You," meaning each and every one of
us knows of someone who is dealing with or has had cancer."

-Beverly Acelin, Connecticut

 
"Cancer has touched my life in so many ways. I have had six members
of my family diagnosed with cancer, some which lost their battle and some
that overcame it. My "adopted mom" passed away in 2008 after a tremendous
7-year battle with breast cancer, and on April 8, 2009, my dear friend
Brian "Big Mac" MacIsaac, just 24 years old,  lost his battle to Ewing's
Sarcoma after a year long fight. Cancer is everywhere in so many shapes a
and forms, it's hard to fight. But with the love and support of all of us in
Relay For Life and the ACS we can overcome it."

Katie Snape, Massachusetts

"There are many reasons I am choosing to participate in the Relay For Life.
First and foremost is for my children. I want  to show them what is important
to me, that THEY are important to me. I want them to grow up in a time when
cancer is not a death sentence. We are developing promising new therapies,
but it's still not good enough for too many people. Another reason is that I
lost out on the opportunity to help someone with Non-Hodgkin's cancer. I
was matched as a bone marrow donor. I quickly accepted the
request, but after my pre-op visit I was told that I was not able to donate
because I was pregnant. It was bitter-sweet news. I was overjoyed at
having a second child, but knew that the possibility of becoming a match
again would be slim. My hope is to be able to help someone again, whether
through a bone marrow donation, participating in events such as this, or being
part of the industry that is actively working on new therapies."

Karen Bresciano, NH

"I Relay for my mother who passed away May 12, 2008, from brain cancer
after being in remission for 14 years, and also for my grandfather who passed
away May 10, 2005, from lung cancer. I celebrate their memories and praise them
for being so brave when they were at their weakest. Relay is a time for friends,
family, and strangers alike to come together as one
and fight for a cause that has touched us all in some way."

- Tracie Hawker, Massachusetts

"My wonderful mother lost her 8-month battle with metastatic liver cancer
in 1971, when there was only one chemotherapy option available. A few
years later, my dear brother-in-law was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma.  He fought the disease with incredible courage and grace
through 13 episodes, benefiting from new treatment options each time
before passing away 22 years after his initial diagnosis.  I walk in their memory,
and also in support of my sister, my niece, and several friends who are
cancer survivors."

- Virginia McDonald, Massachusetts

"I Relay because cancer has taken from me those that I loved ...
I Relay because I personally know the meaning of those three little words: "You
have cancer"...I Relay for the beautiful family and friends who helped me through
my cancer journey...I Relay for my doctors and surgeons and healthcare providers
who have dedicated their lives so that everyone can live without the shadow of
this disease in the background...I Relay because I am a survivor...
I Relay for hope..."

- Lisa Barratt, Connecticut

"For me, cancer was always something that happened to someone else.  Even
when a girl in my 5th grade class struggled for 3 years with glioma and eventually
lost her battle with the disease, even as I lit a luminaria for her while walking
at Relay freshman year, it still didn't seem real, it didn't seem personal.  It
wasn't until I came home one summer after college and my parents started
telling me things because "I was old enough to know," that I understood what
it meant to personally battle cancer.  I found out that three women in my family
had been diagnosed with breast cancer: my great aunt, a spiritual pillar of my
family, the aunt that sparked my love for learning, and the mother of my three
cousins, who I love like siblings.  Every time I see my little cousin Jackie I
realize that she is statistically more likely to develop breast cancer because
of this family history.  I Relay because she too is "someone else" to someone |
else, and I want to make sure that the day comes when neither she, nor
anyone else, will have to worry about cancer happening to them."

- Jamie Lam, Middlebury College

I Relay for 3 reasons:
1) Eleven years ago, when I was three, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. 
I want to show people that even if you've had cancer, you can have a
normal life.
2) I want to celebrate my survival with other cancer survivors.
3) I want to help raise money for cancer research and survivor programs like
Camp Rising Sun (CRS).
CRS is an American Cancer Society camp for children aged 5-17 who
have been diagnosed with cancer. CRS is AWESOME!
Shout out to all the campers!  CRS is "a place where
kids with cancer have fun!"

- Samuel Crisanti, Connecticut

"My family has a long history of cancer but it wasn't until my daughter and
mother were both diagnosed within months of each other that I realized I
needed to do something.  This is my 10th Relay and, happily, it is my
daughter's 10th year of survivorship.  We Relay so there will be a day when
we no longer need to!"

 - Lee Henderson, Massachusetts

"I Relay in honor of my friend Jesse Julius who passed away January 7,
2009 ,after a brave battle with unbelievable leukemia.

I have been full of words before, and found ways to express the terrible beauty
of his last days and the unquenchable presence he carried in this world,
but they are inadequate now.

For those who did not know him, I will tell you he was a lover of tea,
a poet, an architect, an artist, a connoisseur of fine clothing, a
philosopher, and a gentleman.

But these are only words. His expansive presence, his laughter,
the way he capped his fountain pen, the long loopy cursive in which he wrote
letters, and the honesty and upright spirit he embodied cannot be expressed
in words. He was destined for great things and now, I suppose, we must expect
that he is doing those things. Somehow, somewhere.

This loss cannot be amended by my participation in this Relay. The cancer
opened a door and he walked through. That door is shut. No amount of money
can atone for the rent in the fabric that pulled him away from us, that meant
he would not master French, or live in Paris, or design libraries, and I
cannot tell him I live in a dorm like a castle, which he would have loved,
and see the look on his face.

But it might keep someone else from facing the same impossible battle; it might
help someone else who faces it now. At the very least it is an expression of
solidarity, step after step in memory, in love, and in hope."

The last thing Julius was was a cancer patient. And there is a terrible irony
in that statement. No one thinks it will happen to them or to someone they
know. But it has nothing to do with who you are. It knocks on your door
regardless of where you thought you were going.

Emily Jacke, Middlebury College


"My name is Brandon and I am in the 5th grade. This is my third year relaying.
Over the past two years, my brother Tim and I raised thousands of dollars
for the American Cancer Society to find a cure for cancer. I Relay especially
for my Mom, who had cancer when I was in kindergarten and
for all the other moms and dads who have cancer so they can still be with
their kids like my mom is with us. My motto is "Have Hope because Nothing is Impossible".  I will Relay until the cure is found.