"How does one get...cancer?"

That was a question recently posted in the comments section of an article announcing the death of MCA from the Beastie Boys.  MCA, or Adam Yauch, died Friday 5/3/2012 of cancer of the salivary glands.  He was diagnosed in 2009.  And, one of the commenters wondered how he could have ended up with such a cancer.

Cancer doesn't discriminate.  It also follows no real rhyme or reason.  I know people who smoked until the day they died, and they died of "natural causes", not lung cancer.  I also know people with no family history of cancer who are fighting currently...particularly one person who is young, otherwise healthy, and had no knowledge of any cancer diagnoses in her family.  Sometimes, you can do everything "right" and still end up with the diagnosis.

So, what does this mean?  Do we stand by and just say "Oh well, it's going to happen anyway.  There's nothing one person can do", or do we act?  We ACT!  I might not be enough alone, but I can bring my family members and friends into the fight.  Everyone has a circle of influence.  Use yours this year to fight cancer.  Maybe one day, no one will hear the words "You have cancer."  That is why I Relay - I Relay because I can, and I Relay for those who cannot.  Why do you?

I have 3 challenges for you:

1 - Next week, the Relay For Life of Greater Attleboro is hosting a sign-up for the Cancer Prevention Study -3 from 6-10 PM on Friday night -"Individuals who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home, are between the ages of 30-65, and who have never personally been diagnosed with cancer are eligible to enroll. Enrollment will take between 20-30 minutes. Once enrolled, a participant’s 20-30 year commitment to the study will involve completing mailed surveys every few years. Please visit the Cancer Prevention Study-3 website www.cancer.org/cps3 for enrollment locations and additional information, or call toll free at 888-604-5888."

2 - ACS CAN is looking for 30,000 signatures in 30 days on their "Congress: It's time to make fighting cancer a priority" petition.  If we really want to improve healthcare, we need to focus on all aspects.  You can sign the petition here, and there will be an option after signing to send this to your friends and family.


3 - I am collecting stories about why YOU Relay, and I'm planning to post them to the blog over the week before our event.  Your story could be a couple of paragraphs, a couple of sentences, or even a link to your blog/Facebook/personal donation site.  I would like stories pertaining to Survivors, Caregivers, Team Captains, Committee Members, New Relayers, and Veteran Relayers.  Please send your story to relaybridgewater@gmail.com, using the subject line "Why I Relay/(specific subject)" - please pick whichever subject speaks to you, even if your story fits into more than one. Deadline - 6/1/2012. 

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And one quick note:

Next Saturday, May 19th, Team Jean is holding a yard sale/bake sale with all proceeds going to their Relay For Life team.  The sale will be from 8AM until 2 PM at 730 High Street in Bridgewater - you may not need stuff, but EVERYONE needs a delicious baked good (even if you gift it to someone else!) 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.