Survivors and Caregivers

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Survivors and Caregivers are the heart of the Relay For Life event. They have endured the trials of cancer and appreciate their life and the life of their loved ones more than ever. We should all embrace the cancer survivors and caregivers in our midst - at home, school, church, work or anywhere. To this end, we would like to include the stories/testimonials of those who have survived cancer or those who have been caregivers for someone with cancer. Read below for an encouraging testimonial.

Please contact us if you have a story to tell. Whether you just write a few sentences or several pages, you could give someone the strength they need to make it through their diagnosis, treatment or recovery. We also encourage anyone who would prefer to speak at a Team Captains' Meeting to let us know.

You CAN make a difference in someone's life! Please contact us to express your interest at sawrelayforlife@yahoo.com .

WHY I RELAY
A Personal Story by Committee Member, Kim Hudson

On May 11, 1990, at the age of 48, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember getting a phone call at work from my sister who was crying, and the words she said to me, I will never forget: “Mama has cancer”. I was so upset, I left work and went to my parents’ house to be with my family. The words out of my mother’s mouth were “We’re going to beat this”. She had a mastectomy at the same time that silicone breast implants were very controversial, so she had to wait for her saline implant after her breast removal. I used to go to her house everyday and clean her and change her bandages. I would have to massage her vigorously to keep her skin loose to be ready for the implant once FDA approval was granted.

She was in a lot of pain, and my massages only increased that pain. She cussed me and fussed at me (and threatened my life!), but I continued anyway. She underwent six months of chemotherapy and 9 1/2 years of taking Tomoxifin. Since then, she has been cancer free. After the breast cancer and all the suffering was over for so many years, I thought, "Okay, we’re home free."

Life threw us one big curve, however, and in October of 1997, my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). He was at stage four. He had had some melanoma removed from his neck a few months before he was diagnosed with myeloma. He underwent thirteen months of chemotherapy, but no matter what kind of chemo the doctors tried, nothing worked. We went to UVA and discussed the possibility of a bone marrow transplant, but since he was not responding to any kind of chemo, that was out of the question. Through all of this, he was diagnosed with yet another kind of cancer called Pagents Disease.

During his battle he received over one hundred units of blood and around three hundred units of plasma and platelets. And after a long thirteen months, my father lost his battle and passed away on November 20, 1998, at the age of 60. But he never lost faith. He even tried an experimental drug and his words to that were, “Sure I’ll try it, and if it doesn’t help me, maybe it will help someone else.” I understand that same drug is being used quite often for treatment now.

I have had three biopsies on my breast in the past three years. Each time, I wait for those words, “You have cancer.” So far, everything that was found has been benign and I thank God everyday. I have a mammogram and ultrasound every four months.

I began this letter for the 2003 Relay newsletter and never finished it. Now it is the 2004 Relay and I am even more determined to fight this ugly disease. Since last year’s Relay, my mother has had another mastectomy. This time, for preventive reasons, because of all the lumps in her breast. She has had a very difficult time because of the previous chemo and because at her age (only 62) her skin has thinned and will not heal. But there is hope. Also, I am more determined because my very dear cousin lost his battle in August of this year, four days after his 51st birthday.

I have lost so many people to cancer but so many people in my life have fought the battle and won. Aunts, uncles, cousins, both parents, grandfather and many dear friends. I Relay for my mother, my father, my sister and me. I Relay for my children. I Relay for the many relatives and friends in my life who have been touched by this horrible disease. Cancer has taken so many people from my life and it’s time to put a stop to it!

Kim