Hurdling For A Cure

I don’t think there is one person whose life has not been affected by cancer. You may be a survivor, currently fighting or know a loved one who has struggled with the disease. Cancer continues to take the lives of millions each year.

My Relay team of 8 years. We were superhero's fighting against cancer
(I'm superwoman). This was from the summer of 2008. 

Tonight, I went to the Relay For Life on campus. Since I was in 8^th grade, I have participated in Relay. I have walked hundreds of miles with strangers by my side in the hope of finding a cure. I have shared tears with young and old with a common goal of saving lives. I have helped raise thousands of dollars to help fund research to beat this disease.

In 2008, 7.6 million people had their life taken away by this devastating disease. The World Health Organization estimates that deaths from cancer will continue to rise and in the year 2030, over 13 million people will die from cancer. That is 13 million families losing a loved one. It’s 13 million people not able to graduate from college, witness their child’s wedding, or play with their grandchildren.

I think sometimes we’re in denial. Cancer is a hurdle none of us plan on facing. We think, “It can’t happen to me.” Cancer does not care who you are, what age you may be, or how amazing of person you have always been. Cancer doesn’t care how much pain it puts you or your family through. Cancer takes lives and leaves those mourning the death with emptiness in their hearts.

Relay For Life brings communities together, where people can share their stories, their struggles, and their fears. It is a celebration of life and most of all it is raising money to save lives. There is a cure and we will find it. We will not reach 13 million people in the next 17 years because we can all come together to fight this. Cancer should never be a battle for just the patient and the family, but a battle between the entire population against cancer.

I am tired of hearing about people dying from cancer. I am sick of seeing people suffer because the disease as taken them over. I don’t want another person I know to be affected by this disease. I will do my part to face the hurdle and continue to fight for a cure, just like those who are currently fighting for their lives. Please take part in the fight and never give up hope.