Wendy Pizana has never had cancer, herself, but has fought the disease many times with many people.  “I’ve lost 9 people in the past 5 years…” she says of her experience.

Her current battle is one of the most important.  Wendy’s son, Jesse, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 13…and has inspired the whole community to Fight Back.

Wendy has been involved with Relay For Life for 8 years.  In 2005, Wendy and Jesse volunteered to be the co-chairs for the New Northeast Relay from Tecumseh.  “After my son was diagnosed and in remission for the first time, we found it to be a way to give back to the community that had helped us.”  In 2006, Jesse’s cancer returned on the same day as their first committee meeting.  After the diagnosis, Jesse asked his mother, “Mom, what time is our meeting, we still have work to do.”  With tears in her eyes, the headed off to the meeting.  Wendy, Jesse, Dwayne (Jesse’s father), and Danielle (Jesse’s sister) are all involved in Relay For Life.

Wendy remembers her best friend, DeVonna, Grandma Mona, Aunt Shay, Uncle Carl, church friends and other friends through her involvement with Relay For Life. 

DeVonna was a 36 year-old mother of twins who died just 3 days after their 10th birthday.  Grandma Mona was the head of the family who opened her house to everyone.  Aunt Shay battled cancer before and during the same time as Jesse.  Uncle Carl was a long-time friend of the family.

“Relay For Life is like medicine.  It’s a great way to feel like you can really help,” says Wendy about Relay For Life.  Wendy Celebrates, Remembers, and Fights Back through Relay For Life.