Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It touches the lives of nearly every single one of us.
We have all known someone — a family member, friend or co-worker — who has fought this heinous disease.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It touches all of us, regardless of age, race and nationality.
That’s exactly why events like last weekend’s Relay For Life of Whidbey Island are so crucial.
This past weekend, about 20 teams raised more than $100,000 for the American Cancer Society, money that will help the fight to obliterate cancer. The funds go for cancer research and patient support through programs that assist families with travel and lodging.
The Whidbey event is one of more than 6,000 Relay For Life fundraisers held each year.
During 2014, the American Cancer Society fulfilled nearly 800,000 requests for cancer information, connected patients with ongoing studies and provided 276,000 nights of free lodging to nearly 44,000 patients and caregivers.
With more than 120 sites at hospitals and treatment centers across the country, the American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program provides one-on-one guidance for people fighting cancer.
During 2014, 56,000 patients received help understanding their cancer diagnosis and were connected to the resources they needed.
As the largest private provider of nonprofit funds for cancer research, having spent more than $4 billion on cancer research since 1946, the American Cancer Society has played a role in nearly every cancer breakthrough in recent history.
For a total of 18 hours groups walked around the track at North Whidbey Middle School. Each step was one toward funding a cure that will make cancer a thing of the past.
As darkness fell, lighted luminaria bags lined the track with pictures, messages and words of love and encouragement for those whose lives were lost to cancer or are still fighting it.
It’s a striking reminder of just how callous cancer can be.
Participation was down over previous years, but the fundraiser was still strong.
Relay for Life of Whidbey Island not only helps in the battle against cancer, it brings people in the community together for a noble cause.
Consider forming a team next year and help in the effort to make cancer a thing of the past.
