Alyssa Parker fights back against cancer in memory of her mother.  Alyssa was a caregiver for to her mother for one year until she passed away recenty from lung cancer.

Alyssa started participating in Relay For Life in June of 2006 in Skagit County after a friend told her family about it when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Alyssa remembers her first Relay experience walking around the track and seeing so many cancer patients walking beside or in front of her. 

"And then there were the people standing around the track applauding and cheering on the cancer survivors and their caregivers," she remembers.  She credits that experience as being the most rewarding thing she's ever done.  She recognizes that Relay For Life gives hope and courage to those who have felt that they had no support.

Alyssa uses Relay For Life to Fight Back against cancer in memory of her mother, who courageously fought the battle every day.  

Alyssa understands the importance of support through Relay For Life from her experience at Relay with her mother.  She has lost family to cancer, and still wants to be as supportive as possible for those who need it and for those who have also lost loved ones to this disease.  

"Relay has brought back many memories, both good and bad, but I just smile and press on and remember why I'm here...to support everyone."