There is no scarier word than the “C” word, “cancer,” that is. Even people who are fortunate enough to not be personally affected by the word understand how terrifying and intimidating it is. At a young age, the “C word” automatically becomes a negative word. It wasn’t until I turned 20 that I realized that this word could actually have a positive vibe. JMU does a wonderful job of presenting the battle of cancer in a positive light. Last year was my first time participating in Relay for Life, and ever since, I have been waiting for this year’s relay.
Relay for Life is a volunteer cancer fundraising event founded by the American Cancer Society. Relay has now reached 21 countries and can be found all over the U.S. Although the main goal of Relay is to raise money for cancer research, there is much more to it. Relay celebrates the lives of cancer survivors, honors the lives of those who have passed away due to cancer and spreads awareness across the globe.
During the event, participants of each team have a member walking on a track or path for the entire 24-hour relay. As a first time “relayer,” I was not sure what to expect from this experience. I had heard nothing but good things, so I figured, why not join in on this good cause? I was astonished to see how many people were camped out on the Festival lawn. There was food, loud music, socializing and positivity all around. I was lucky enough to have friends there who made me go, and I am so glad they did!
The experience, overall, was very uplifting. Although you are there for a sad reason, it is easy to get swept away by all of the optimistic and encouraging people there to support cancer patients. As the event brought everyone together, I was really proud to be a student at JMU and a member of the Harrisonburg community. JMU takes Relay pretty seriously. At the beginning of each year, they send out e-mails encouraging people to join the executive board and to start forming teams. Due to my amazing experience last year, I was almost tempted to join the board this year. Since I had never been seriously affected by cancer, however, I thought that I would be taking the spot of someone else who genuinely deserved it.
Coming up on April 16, this year’s relay is rapidly approaching.. As I mentioned before, I have been very excited since last year, but this year, my excitement is for a different reason. Although you don’t have to relay in honor of a person, this year I will be relaying for a reason. This past February, my family and I were blind-sided to find out that my mom had been diagnosed with liver cancer at the young age of 50. Despite my positive experience at Relay, the scary thoughts I once had about the “C” word came back. Cancer is a truly emotional, life changing battle – in a matter of seconds, your entire life changes.
I was very naïve as to what cancer entailed. I felt alone and found myself asking “why did this have to happen to her?” As horrible as the news was to my mom, she was the one encouraging me that everything was going to be okay. Her optimism is truly inspiring and I wish I could have half the courage she has.
I had a lot to think about during my 6 hour car drive back to JMU from New York. It killed me to have to leave my family knowing I could not be there for them during my mom’s first weeks of chemotherapy. I felt so distant from them and felt like I had no idea what was going on since I couldn’t be there for all of her doctor’s appointments. But I knew that being pessimistic about this would get me nowhere. I would say that my family is pretty optimistic and that I have been raised to always remain positive and confident that things will work out. With this being said, I started to think about what I could do down here in Virginia that could somehow make a difference in my mom’s life. I started to think about the cheerful and memorable experience I had at 2010’s Relay for Life. It was at that moment that I made a promise to myself to be involved in each year’s relay.
Before I had been personally affected by cancer, I still appreciated what the American Cancer Society was doing for cancer patients and their loved ones. Now more than ever, I understand the impact it has on people’s lives. I have especially been looking forward to this day, so that I can relay for the person that means the most to me. Relay for Life gives people this opportunity to turn something negative into a positive. Before I was aware of Relay’s impact, I didn’t think that there could be anything positive about cancer – I was very wrong.
March 15 was the kickoff to this year’s relay. Cancer Awareness week started off with this year’s relay theme: Combat Cancer. Throughout the week, there were fundraisers, performances, free food and raffles to get people pumped up for this year’s relay. The relay crew at JMU does an excellent job at making sure that everyone on campus is aware of and excited for each year’s relay. The event co-chairs even started some friendly competition amongst the teams to see which team could raise the most money. There is also a competition brewing within Greek Life: the team that can beat last year’s top Greek fundraiser, Alpha Tau Omega, will receive a flat screen TV for their fraternity or sorority house (just a little incentive!). Within all of the organizations on campus, and all of the students and faculty, JMU has 2,400 members signed up for Relay.
JMU also has a club called “Colleges Against Cancer,” established for students, faculty and members of the campus to unite in the fight against cancer. Colleges Against Cancer is an organization dedicated to eliminating cancer and celebrating more birthdays through four strategic directions: advocacy, cancer education, survivorship, and Relay For Life. This organization, as well as the Relay for Life board, is composed of inspirational people who deserve the utmost respect for what they are doing. It is important to get involved within your school community, especially in times like these, where strangers can unite and share similar life experiences. Each person has his or her own reason to relay. Regardless of your reason, everyone can find support and healing within one another at this event. Coming together with other people, who are equally as passionate about finding a cure for cancer, is the most amazing feeling. I especially look forward to meeting people this year who will be able to share their stories with me.
Regardless of how much money an individual or organization raises, the participation itself is helping to find a cure. With each step a person takes around the track, they should know that they are doing the right thing in helping the American Cancer Society end the battle against cancer. This affects so many people’s lives and I unfortunately have learned, it really can happen to anyone at any time. So, in honor of the people who have to battle this, it is extremely important that everyone do what they can to help combat cancer and make a world where there are more birthdays!
Help support by donating or registering a team at www.jmurelay.com