Why do I relay? I relay for my dad who passed away March 6, 2003, from non-smokers lung cancer.  Here is how we found out how my dad having cancer.

 Beginning of August, 2002, when my family went to Ohio for one of my friends wedding. My dad was having his usual sinus problems. We came home from the Ohio, and my mom & dad went to a b&b on Aug. 7, for my dad's birthday (Aug. 8). By the night of Aug. 7, my dad had trouble breathing, and went to the emergency room. Tests were done, nothing was found, so the diagnosis was congestive heart failure. My dad came home from the hospital only to return a few days later. More tests were done, and still nothing. This time the diagnosis was congestive heart failure with pnumonia.  My dad came home, only to end up in the hospital again a few days later. More tests were done. This time fluid was found on the lung, and 2 liters were drained & tested. The diagnosis was stage 4 non-smoker lung cancer. Doctors & specialist looked at the previous tests, and no one could understand why the cancer never showed up until it did. My dad was given 3-4 months to live, no radiation or surgery, possible chemo. My dad said no to the chemo, and lived 6 1/2 months.

 I have had 2 other family members who have died of cancer, 3 who have had cancer and have passed away but not to cancer, and 2 who are cancer survivors. I relay for all of them, but my dad is my main reason for relaying for life.