My Story

My team at Relay For Life

In October of 2008, I lost my aunt to ovarian cancer. During her battle, my family and I participated in various Relay For Lifes near my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. My

Mercyhurst's Relay For Life

aunt was a teacher at Rocky River high school, so bright and early on the morning of their Relay, we would be there to help out. Supporting causes that help fund cancer research is very important to both sides of my family because we are directly connected with cancer victims. My mother lost her mother to cancer at the age of 10, her sister had breast cancer, and she lost her sister to ovarian cancer. My father also had a brother who survived Hodgkin's lymphoma. I had grown up knowing the tragic effects of this disease, which is what lead me to participate in Mercyhurst University's Relay For Life. My freshman year of college, I found out that my aunt and godmother's ovarian cancer had returned. She, like my other aunt, was strong and grateful of the life given to her. It seemed that my answer had come when I saw the posters for Relay For Life. I immediately got involved and loved every minute of it. The people that help with Relay are a special breed. They willingly choose to stay up all night, they choose to spend countless hours of planning, and they choose to make a difference. These characteristics astound me. When my aunt passed away in March 2011, I was heart broken, but I found comfort in the Relay group. Without even expressing what I was going through, I already knew that I had a family beside me. Being a part of Relay For Life has changed me for the better. I know there is something to strive for and I know that, even with the smallest event, we can make a change. This year, we are holding a 24hour event and I will be staying up for about 30 straight hours. It will be insane, but fun at the same time. Participating in Relay gives me hope for the future. It allows me to strive for a world untouched by cancer, and more birthdays. Those who read my blog may say "you are just quoting the Relay For Life slogans", but they are true. It gives you comfort to know that everyone at a Relay is wishing for the same thing and you can lean on strangers for strength and hope. I will continue to be a part of Relay until I can no longer walk.  This years Relay For life is on APRIL 27 at 1pm - APRIL 28 at 1pm. 

Me with my Relay Team Banner

At Relay, dying our hair pink and purple 

My family at OROC (Out Run Ovarian Caner)

Lighting the Luminaria at Relay