Why Do I Relay?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
By: Kelly O'Donnell

In memory of my grandfather, and for everyone who has had their heart broken by this disease

In the early 1990's, my grandfather - fondly named "Baba" by the grandkids - was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was seven years old, and his second-oldest grandchild. With six grandchildren, all under the age of ten, he told my grandmother that with this new diagnosis he feared was that he would not live to see his grandchildren grow up.
And so began his fight. Baba fought with everything he had. He had surgery and chemotherapy; good days and bad days. His spirit never weakened and he never stopped fighting. It was a family joke that he was so stubborn, he didn't even lose his hair during chemo! And eventually, his tenacity paid off, and he survived. We all grew up, very close with our Baba, and he was there every step of the way. Every Saturday, people would drop in for some of his homemade soup, a few jokes and stories. The number of grandkids grew from six to ten - and one great-grandchild, too!
For the last few years, my cousin Lori participated in Relay for Life with friends. Each year, she invited Baba, and he joined her proudly. He and his sister, Winnie, would do the survivor's lap together - she has survived cancer as well. The two were always at the front of the pack, elbowing each other and trying to cross the finish line first.
In March of 2010, we lost Baba. He had a heart attack, and his recovery was hindered by newly discovered tumours throughout his kidneys and bladder. These complicated his health and recovery to a point which he could not fight back. He lost this battle, after many hard weeks of fighting, surrounded by many people who love him very much and miss him every day.
Lori asked the family if we would like to do the Relay with her that year, in memory of Baba. Of course, we said yes. It was a very emotional night. It felt strange to watch the survivor's lap without our favourite survivor there to participate, 19 years after his initial diagnosis. We made it through the night; walking, dancing, crying and even hoola-hooping together. We vowed to do this every year, for Baba...but also for everyone whose Baba may still have a chance to see them grow up, too.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story today. Please help our team fight this horrible disease and donate today. Every bit helps to make a difference and we need all the support we can get!