Cancer Sucks

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Friday May 28, 2010 · 4:04 PM PDT

2010/05/28 · 16:04

We all, I think, know someone who's been affected by cancer. Maybe even you were diagnosed yourself. Cancer sucks. It took my aunt in April, and I (at 16-years-old) had my own cancer scare. Five years later I still have a tumor in my head that can't be operated on, but for now (according to my doctors) it seems to be stable and non-cancerous.

So for the third (and probably my last) year, I'm participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Last year I did the Relay in honor of Senator Ted Kennedy (who was still alive at the time). This year I'm walking in honor of my aunt. She was the first person in my family that I know of who died from this horrible affliction.

I've asked for your help in the past and you've come through. In my first year you helped me raise over $300. Last year I raised over $200. Since this is my last year I'd like to raise even more. I'm setting my goal at $300, but my real goal is to hit $500. I realize that many people are still in tight financial situations, but any amount is more than welcome. If you'd like to donate, please visit my donation page. I should add that donations ARE tax deductible.

You can see some of the things that your money would be spent on below the fold...

Last year, thanks to Relay donations, the American Cancer Society, New England Division, provided:

More than 1,030 women facing a breast cancer diagnosis the chance to talk with knowledgeable Reach to Recovery® volunteers, all breast cancer survivors
More than 1,900 patients with approximately 19,000 rides to treatment
Free lodging to hundreds of patients and caregivers at its three Hope Lodges, in Burlington, VT, Worcester, MA, and Boston
More than 1,400 services to nearly 600 patients and caregivers through American Cancer Society Patient Navigators, now working with cancer patients at 9 New England hospitals.
More than 2,800 women with tips on how to deal with appearance-related side effects of treatment, through its Look Good...Feel Better® program.
Nearly 250 children and teens with cancer a week-long summer camp experience
Cancer information to New Englanders who made 45,000 calls to our toll-free hotline - 1.800.227.2345 - manned by cancer information specialists around the clock, 365 days a year.

And, that's only a partial list. I didn't even mention that it was American Cancer Society-funded research that led to mammography, the Pap test, discovery of the breast cancer genes, the cure for childhood leukemia, and so much more.

As you can see, the American Cancer Society has been a leader in cancer research, and it's because of donations from people like you. Thanks again for your help.

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