Support Marshall County Relay For Life on June 14

The Marshall County Relay for Life is celebrating 25 years of “Fighting for a Cure,” at 6 p.m. On Friday, June 14, at Sam Coopwood Park, in Holly Springs. Cancer has affected just about everyone in one way or another. Either they are battling this horrific disease, or someone they know and love is fighting to survive this disease.

I didn’t personally know anyone who had cancer until I had graduated from high school. My Dad told me Pops, my grandfather, had lung cancer when I was 18 years old. Pops decided not to take chemotherapy treatments. I didn’t understand why at first, but I believe he chose not to take treatments because my grandmother, Mimi, had been sick for several years. He didn’t want her to know he was sick because he felt it could make her worse. She died in June 1, 1982 and Pops died July 30, 1982. Almost two months apart. Mimi never knew he had cancer.

Several years later, my younger sister, Mary Ellen, was diagnosed with thirdstage ovarian cancer. She was 36 years old and had three small children that were not older than five years old. The news hit me hard. I didn’t know how or what I could do to help my sister. I felt helpless. All I wanted was for her to be all better. She went through many rounds of chemo treatments. She fought to survive, and the cancer has been in remission for over 20 years and she has been a missionary for her church for the past 10+ years in Mexico City, Mexico. I thank the Lord that it is in remission.

I can’t imagine what a cancer patient has to go through. One cancer survivor said it is a personal journey and that it made them a lot less selfish, a lot more supportive, and involved in the cause.

I would like to share a few excerpts from an essay, “Dear Cancer, a Peek Into the Life of one of your Victims,” written by an unknown young cancer patient.

“Through all the adversity you put me through, you taught me more about myself and life than I ever could have imagined. You taught me how to be strong and how it’s also okay not to be. You taught me that the little things in life make everything worthwhile. You taught me how to see the positive things in life because it’s too short not to and because every moment spent feeling sorry for yourself is a moment lost, making a memory that can never be replaced with someone you love. You’ve taught me how important family is and the power of love. You showed me time after time how beautiful it is when a community comes together...”

“I have learned how to turn on the lights of life and live in pure light and happiness so there are no shadows left for you to lurk in. Finally, you can leave my family and me alone. Forever.”

This horrific disease has touched everyone. Whether it be a spouse, brother, sister, friend, or co-worker – Cancer has been one of the top two leading causes of death for more than 75 years. That is why supporting the Marshall County Relay for Life is so important. It is a chance for the community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who lost the battle, and fight back against every cancer as we come together on June 14 at Sam Coopwood Park.