Everyone reading this letter has been affected by cancer, whether by personally battling cancer, watching a loved one or friend face a diagnosis or, worst of all, dealing with a cancer-related death. It seems that cancer is everywhere. Unfortunately, I too have lost a loved one to cancer, and this loss has changed my life forever. After battling breast cancer twice, my aunt died in 2002 at the age of 53. My story of loss, sadness and grief is one that I know many people share.
While it is easy to feel powerless in the face of such a prevailing disease, I am writing to encourage the Ohio University community to take up the fight against cancer. Every spring, Ohio University holds a Relay for Life event. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's (ACS) largest fundraiser. Teams are formed by friends, organizations, faculty and staff, and each team member works to raise money for ACS. At the 18-hour event, each team camps out and enjoys the entertainment while at least one member of each team walks on the track at all times. Last year, OU's Relay raised over $85,000. These dollars go directly to ACS, and the money is spent on research, advocacy, education and patient services.
Perhaps even more important than the money raised at Relay for Life are the environment of hope and power, and the sense of community that this event brings to those who participate. It is a time to celebrate the survivors and encourage people still fighting cancer. It is a time to remember loved ones we have lost to cancer and look forward to a future where there is no cancer.
I hope people reading this letter are inspired to feel empowered in the fight against cancer and are ready to become a part of the battle. OU's Relay for Life this year takes place May 16 and 17. If you are interested in learning more about the event, please e-mail relay@ohiou.edu.
Claire Russell is a senior at Ohio University.
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Letter to the Editor
