Relays: Because We Can't Do It Alone

Cancer touched my family when I was very young. My mother died of cancer

when I was eight; my sister was five. Our parents tried to protect us, I think, because I don't think they told us until the doctors had given up. We were vaguely aware that she was sick, but how do you explain something like cancer to young children? Sylvia Zabower was the first person I knew who died of cancer, but unfortunately she wouldn't be the last.

Cancer kills more than 8 million people worldwide every year. That's 15% of all non-communicable diseases (non-communicable: the disease can't be passed person-to-person). WHO (the World Health Organization) projects there will be a 70% increase in new cases in the next decade.

There are many organizations who raise money for cancer research. Relay for Life is one of them, and I think the method they use to raise money is a symbol of the fight as a whole. Whether you are a cancer patient or survivor or someone helping a loved one fight, this is a disease than cannot be won alone. Relays underscore the fact that we cannot run alone, for the team must work together to reach the finish line.

Amanda Ritter has been participating in her local Relay for Life since she was a high school senior. She was working at a local day care at the time, and one of the day care owners asked if she would like to participate on their team. Amanda said, "Before I knew it, my mom and I were on the daycare's team. The next year I branched out and had my own team, and then in 2008 I joined the planning committee and worked my way up the 'ladder' . . . and as of last year (2015) I now plan the whole event with 2 other women. This year will be my 10th anniversary."

Amanda added, "That co-worker that asked if I know what Relay for Life is happens to be my role model; her name was Charmin, and in 2009 she passed away from cancer." Amanda, too, has known what it means to watch someone lose the battle.

When I first asked Amanda to answer some questions about Relay for Life, I was under the impression it was some sort of 24-hour walk or run, where teams switch out as they need for the 24-hour period. I was wrong! "Relay for Life is a part of the American Cancer Society, and it's the largest global movement around. Every weekend there is at least 100 events happening around the world. Now, most people when they hear 'relay' think that it's a race, but in fact it is a 24-hour 'party' where we come together to honor cancer survivors and remember those that have since passed. We celebrate all the fundraising that we have done over the last year as well as the milestones that have been reached due to our fundraising and awareness. We also continue to fight back, for Cancer never sleeps!"

Amanda has helped plan this year's event. Her local chapter is Relay for Life East Penn (formerly Macungie), and the ladies have planned an awesome event! "This year's event we will have a Car Show, where all the teams get an hour to make a car out of cardboard and then walk the track to show it off to everyone. We will have a Band playing Friday night and one on Saturday. The event has an MC and a DJ at all times playing music to keep us going." Many teams participate and raise money by selling different items like food, raffle baskets, bracelets, sand art, pins and so much more! Amanda said, "Each hour there is a theme lap that we invite everyone to partake in. They can be fun dancing ones or playing a game while walking. We have midnight bingo, a Seussical game, and more. We will honor the survivors on Saturday starting at 11am with a ceremony followed by lunch provided by Cracker Barrel and our Survivor Committee. The survivors will also get to be entertained by our Miss Relay Contest, a contest where guys dress as girls and girls dress as guys! There is always something going on the whole 24 hours," she said.

It sounds like great fun, but in this case, it's all about the money! Last year Relay for Life East Penn raised $70,000. This year's goal is $80,000, and they've already raised $42,000! "As of right now we have 18 teams and 201 participants signed up. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life just log on to www.relayforlife.org. There you can find a list of all the events in your area. There you can create a team, join a team, or just simply Donate. Our Event is Relay for Life of East Penn," Amanda said. Relay for Life East Penn will be at Macungie Memorial Park on May 13, 2016, but because it is a global, year-round event, you can participate wherever and whenever you can!

There are many causes out there that you can become involved in, good causes with hard work ahead of them. Relay for Life is just one option. Whether you support the fight against cancer or something else entirely, get involved! No matter you support, the motto is the same: We Can't Do It Alone!