RELAY FOR LIFE Battle against the Big C

It wasn’t easy. When the doctor broke the news that she had thyroid cancer, Lisa (not her real name) asked why—why should everyone in her family has to deal with this malady.

Her grandmother and aunt both died of thyroid cancer. Lisa discovered her own affliction in 1996 just when her mother was undergoing treatment for ovary cancer.

“I was shocked and sad. I was worried about my three kids. But it’s good I had a fighting spirit,” says Lisa, a 44-year-old accountant from the Philippines.

That fighting spirit helped Lisa survive. And, fortunately, her mother likewise did.

“I’m thankful I’m back to normal now,” she says.

Lisa and her mother were among the hundreds of cancer victims and survivors in the CNMI for whom candles were lit during a 12-hour vigil at the sports field in Susupe in celebration of those who survived and in memory of those who lost the battle against the Big C.

Approximately 1,000 supporters participated in the Relay For Life fundraising event which began at 7:00 p.m. Friday until 7:00 a.m. Saturday. Participants, who took along their families, included government officials, business group representatives, professionals, and community members who made up teams for the walk and run around the track.

One of the groups, Team Dolores, was organized by Speaker Diego Benavente, whose mother died of uterus cancer five years ago. Team Dolores was named after the House leader’s mother.

Another prominent cancer victim is Rep. David M. Apatang who is undergoing treatment for kidney cancer.

The campers stayed overnight for barbecue, raffle, and entertainment. The Relay, organized by the Freddy Hofschneider Foundation, began with the celebration of cancer survivors who took the first lap around the track, carrying bundles of purple balloons. Individual team members later took turns running and walking around the track to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs. Each participant pledged to raise $100.

The money will be used for the American Cancer Society’s patient services, early detection and prevention programs and cancer research.

The funds will also be used to subsidize prostate cancer patients’ room accommodation in Honolulu during treatment, and to purchase wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy. A portion of the funds will also be used to send a 7-year-old Leukemia patient to a summer camp for children with cancer in Hawaii.

“We’re happy to be able to gather the whole community into this biggest event,” said Chailang Palacios, one of the organizers. “This is event is meant not only to raise funds but to raise cancer awareness in the community. Those who suspect they have it should come out earlier for detection,” she added.

Victory belongs to Lisa, her mother, and other survivors, but for them the battle is not yet over. They are staying in the battle field to alert other potential victims. “Before it’s too late to beat it,” they said, “do something now to prevent it.” (MCM)