It often surprises me how many lives the effects of cancer have touched... because for so long I have felt like the only one.

I am starting a Relay team this year because both of my parents have cancer and Iw wish not a single more soul to endure such hardships, especially not children, daughters, sons, and relatives. When I was in 7th grade of Middle School, just four years ago for myself, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. My dad was diagnosed in his teenage years. Even after the diagnosis, assessment, surgery, chemo, radiation, and continuing appointments, I still do not talk of it much. The week that my mother was diagnosed was coincidentally Spring break and upon returning to school I uttered not a single word of what had happened... looking back I find it surprising, but at the moment it just seemend natural. I thought it was my responsability to reconcile with what was happening, but looking back I think it should have been anything but.

Everyone out there needs to be aware of the massive amounts of support available to them when dealing with the effects of cancer on loved ones. I have always avoided speaking of it, discussing it, or mentioning it, and for those very reasons it slightly frightens me that I am starting a team. I know I will have to confront issues and feeling that I have surpressed for so long.

I thank everyone who has ever been involved with Relay and I hope I am able to communicate with my community as to how donating a couple dozen hours to a cause can prevent years of suffering in someone elses life.

Again, thank you, and good luck to all.