Each day, approximately 1,500 people die of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, 39.6% of all men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, all of us with be affected by it in one way or another, whether it be suffering from it personally or watching a loved one do so.

All of the statistics are frightening, but they become a reality when experienced firsthand. Six months ago, I sat in the hospital and listened to a doctor tell someone I love that they have stage IV cancer and it can’t be cured. It was our worst nightmare.

Cancer sucks. It is painful, exhausting, depressing, and scary. Too many people have been taken from the world by it, and we are still waiting for a cure. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery… they can only do so much. Sometimes cancer treatments are lifesaving, and other times they cause more pain and sickness than they’re worth.

But we still have hope. Cancer patients are fighters. They have strength and courage. And what is one of the best places to celebrate all of those things? Relay for Life.

As a fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life takes place in communities all over world. 4 million people in 20+ countries raise funds and cancer awareness by taking part in the event each year. Participants and cancer survivors come together to celebrate what they have overcome, to remember people they have lost to the disease, and to honor the people who are fighting it.

With a team of 25, from 6:00 pm on June 25th to 6:00 am on June 26th, I participated in Relay for Life in my hometown. It started with an opening ceremony and survivors lap. Wearing purple "survivor" t-shirts, those who have beat cancer or are fighting it walked around the track first. They were then joined by their caregivers for a lap. After that, the rest of the 400 participants joined in.

When the sun went down, a luminaria ceremony took place and candles were lit to honor those who have passed away or are fighting the disease. It was an emotional time, as hundreds of names were read out loud to remember and honor our loved ones. The list seemed never-ending.

Over $58,000 was raised by all of the teams present at the event. While the purpose of Relay for Life is to raise money for the American Cancer Society, it is about much more than that. It's about coming together with the people you care about, showing love and support for them. And that is what we did.

Throughout the night we walked, danced, laughed, and cried. Cancer never sleeps, and neither did we. As the night went on, we had feelings of pain and exhaustion just as people with cancer do. But when the sun came up, it meant that hope was restored. I am so proud of my team not only for how much money we raised, but also for how much support was shown in honor of a person we love. No one fights alone and we are going to keep on fighting.