Celebration of Life with Cancer

6th June, 2009 - Posted by L. John Mason -

Barbara and I walked in the “Survivors Walk” last night to help begin the Oak Harbor, WA “Relay for Life.” We have done this every year since we have lived in Washington and each year the event grows bigger and stronger. The “Relay for Life” is a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society’s Funding for cancer research. The small community of Oak Harbor, WA really turns out. There may be 20,000 people living in Oak Harbor at the opening celebration of the local “Relay for Life” there must have been more 2500 people participating. This year they have 109 fund raising teams and will raise over $180,000 for cancer research.

My wife and I were amazed at the number of cancer survivors who walked that first lap. There were hundreds. I’d guess 300-400 people walking in purple shirts that symbolize that they are survivors. The crowd chears every person who walks that first lap because they understand the fight for life that most of these people are either going through (in treatment) or have been through. Treatment for cancer is still an experiment that often resembles torture. To kill the cancer a person is subjected to maiming through surgery followed by poisoning by chemotherapy or radiation (or both.) If your body is strong enough to withstand the treatment, and if the treatment works, your body will be forever tatooed with the imprint of your treatment. My wife has had 2 major surgeries and 5-6 rounds of chemotherapy for her cancer. She is positive and currently strong and active. A miracle in tenacious survival. She works hours everyday to fight off the next possible re-occurence.

So the “relay for Life” goes on. People raising money and consciousness by walking the track for 24 hours. Last night it drizzled and sometimes it rains, but the relay continues. A sacrifice by every participant committed to raising money to help find a cure. The people of Oak Harbor, WA should be proud of their spirit and their efforts.

Many people in many cities are committed to this effort. Chances are there is “Relay for Life” near you and if you can not walk the track and raise money, at least go down and support the efforts of your local participants. They are heroes and should be acknowledged for their time and their efforts. Maybe you will see my son’s band playing at one of these events to entertain and support the walkers. Maybe you will be one of the muscians or vendors or support people or participants, and I want to thank you right now for your work to help find a cure for my wife’s cancer.

I would honor your feedback and hope that you can find a way to support the efforts of the American Cancer Society. If nothing else, pray for the people in your life who have been touched by cancer and celebrate your own precious life, daily!