Event: Relay for Life

Time: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Purpose: to help cancer patients

This is about all most people know about Relay for Life. It wasn’t until this past week that I learned the significance of what is one of American Cancer Society’s main fundraisers. When I sat down with Jessica from the Johnson City American Cancer Society to discuss my internship there this upcoming fall, I knew wholeheartedly that this was the place I was meant to be. The endless research efforts and constant patient care and support go beyond what the public eye can see, just like the symbolism of Relay for Life.

Many of us know it as one of American Cancer Society’s main fundraisers that takes place at a really weird time. We complain about having to sign up for it. We complain about having weird times to volunteer when we could be doing something better. We complain about having to stand around until 2 a.m. when no one is at the event except the volunteers. All the while the survivors, the patients, the ones for which Relay for Life is for, don’t complain at all. After learning the symbolism behind the details in this event, I have a new perspective and appreciation for all American Cancer Society does for those who are affected by cancer. I encourage you to look past what an inconvenience your volunteer time may be and understand why Relay for Life impacts lives.

The event starts out midday when everyone is energetic and ready to tackle what’s to come. The survivors lap takes place initially as a celebration of life. This beginning represents how a person is living and enjoying life, not knowing the cloud that is about to shadow their lives.

When darkness falls, this represents a patient’s diagnosis. The weight of the world falls on their shoulders as they hear the word cancer.

As the night grows later and everyone starts to tire, this symbolizes a patient undergoing treatment. It is a long and wearisome journey. Some question whether they will be able to continue as they begin to lose hope.

But as the night starts to wrap up, those at Relay for Life become re-energized as they prepare to clean up and leave. This time is that of a patient gaining hope again and seeing the light at the end of the storm.

We know cancer exists and we know that is it a terrible situation to go through. However, we don’t fully understand the fear, depression, worry, or stress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. We don’t understand the pure relief and joy that follows a doctor visit which ends in “you’re cancer free” or when you can finally rest knowing a loved one is no longer suffering.

I hope you now see that Relay for Life is more than an unnecessarily long fundraiser. It is our chance to understand how cancer affects a patient and appreciate life, whether you remember going through cancer, or only remember the check-ups in the years following, whether you are a loved one or a friend of someone that was diagnosed. Cancer does affect us all.

Thank you, Jessica, for giving me a new outlook on Relay for Life. I hope we all can attend Johnson City’s Relay this Friday with a new desire to be there.