Why I Relay
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
By: Kathy Ransom

I've lost people I love, as well as struggled with breast cancer and Relay For Life gives me a chance to remember and help in the fight against cancer.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. I battled the cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, further surgery, Tamoxifen, and all the effects on my body of the treatment to destroy the cancer.

I am very lucky as I have been cancer free now for more than five years, but I will not be able to say the cancer is vanquished until a cure is found to eliminate its threat completely.

It is an honour for me to Relay and I have done so as a team participant, team captain, survivor, and volunteer. Besides raising money for research and assistance for victims and families, the Relay is a wonderful time to honour victims of cancer. To see the track surrounded by candles commemorating victims and survivors and have the devastating toll cancer still exacts depicted in such a beautiful, stirring way is a clear testimony to the vital need for fundraisers such as Relay For Life.

I suspect there isn't anyone in this world who hasn't been impacted by the death or illness of a parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, child, friend; someone they loved and didn't expect to lose early in their life.

I moved to Prince Albert shortly before the Relay last spring and although I didn't know anyone here, I did feel a part of the community when I walked the survivor lap. As a survivor, the Relay is a chance for acknowledgement of my personal fight as well as a opportunity to thank those who supported me through my recovery.

The event also provides education, entertainment, fellowship, and a chance to dream of a future without the threat of cancer.