During my freshman year of high school, the doctors discovered that my grandpa had multiple aggressive brain tumors. Although my grandpa fought his hardest, he passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004, just a few months after being diagnosed. Shortly before he died, my grandpa on my dad’s side was diagnosed with Renal Cell Kidney cancer, not a very promising diagnosis. Only a few months later, my grandma Barbara – his wife – was diagnosed with lung cancer. They were both still in their 50s.
My grandparents were determined to kick the cancer and they fought long and hard. For three years, my family fought alongside them - driving them to appointments, doing our best to keep them in good spirits, trying to stay positive ourselves and staying by their bedsides when the cancer landed them in the hospital.
But cancer didn’t care how hard we were fighting. The summer before my senior year, cancer took my grandpa. My grandma was unable to attend his funeral because she was currently being cared for at her home, where my family had practically lived for the past several months, with the hospice’s amazing help. A week later, my grandma lost her fight as well.
From the time I entered high school to before I began my senior year, cancer took three of my grandparents away. I have had people tell me that “all grandparents die.” And that’s true. But not like this - not from a three-year-long, unimaginably awful battle with cancer. And not, for that matter, before they even turn 60.
But, out of all of the horror, came an opportunity for me to make a difference. It seems as if everywhere I turn, I find someone going through what our family was forced to experience.
One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. And chances are, the other two people will know someone who is diagnosed. If you think cancer doesn’t affect you, think again.
Anyone who has been affected by cancer can tell you what a terrible disease it is. But not everyone has someone to drive them to appointments. Not everyone has someone to lean on for support. And not everyone can afford the live-saving care they deserve. In fact, in the D.C. metro area, nearly 57 percent of cancer patients report having skipped cancer treatment because they do not have a way to get to the hospital.
This is where the American Cancer Society comes in. They provide cancer patients, and their caregivers, with the resources and support they need and deserve.
AU is constantly lauded as having one of the most service-oriented and active student bodies. But, I ask you, if that is the case, why are less than 400 students signed up for this year’s Relay For Life? Relay For Life is an opportunity to take action, remember and celebrate the lives of all those affected by cancer. It is a night to cast aside the sorrow accompanied by the disease, and bear witness to the resourcefulness, courage and spirit of anyone who has ever been forced to battle cancer. And it is also a chance to fight back. All proceeds raised by Relay For Life are donated to the American Cancer Society and its unyielding effort to combat cancer through research and patient support.
Megan N. Yarbrough SPA 2010 President, Colleges Against Cancer
