Let's fulfill cancer-free promise

This one could be about death because cancer’s so prevalent these days: how it can rob your health, steal your strength and take your life despite the incredible advances in medicine that sometimes conquers it.

But it’s better by far to find positives and the Canadian Cancer Society’s upcoming Kentville Relay for Life does just that.

It would be easy to dismiss it as just another fundraiser, but that’s hardly accurate. Details on the Relay for Life website say it’s an opportunity to get together with family and friends and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back in the hope of finding a cure for this terrible disease.

It’s a three-pronged approach that covers all the bases, especially since I believe cancer has touched nearly everyone in one way or another. We’ve either lost someone to the disease – in my case, watched cancer eat away at my father over the course of five years from first diagnosis to his death – been affected by it personally or know someone who has survived it.

It’s persistent, treatment is often invasive and debilitating, and there’s no guarantee of victory. But there are those with stories to tell who have beaten cancer or people who recall proudly the indomitable spirit of a loved one who refused to go quietly.

Dad was one of those. After being diagnosed, he asked himself countless times, “Why me?” The answer that came back again and again: “Why not?”

That’s when he took his battle to the street. He travelled the country and spoke to thousands of people about the will to win in the face of daunting odds. No matter the disease’s insatiable hunger, he believed ultimately he would beat this thing.

That it didn’t happen is ironic because he inspired so many others to believe that cancer can be beaten. In his own way, he traced an indelible mark on those who had perhaps given up hope. For me, the quality of his courage and depth of his determination have left lifelong etchings on my soul and I know now if there’s a purpose to his kind of suffering, it’s in the lessons we learn from those who refuse to surrender.

These are the kindred spirits who turn out for the Relay for Life, make it a happening as much as a fundraiser, and who foster camaraderie and raise awareness in equal measure.

It goes June 13, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Memorial Park, and if you haven’t sponsored someone involved, there’s still time. The local event has an ambitious goal of $94,750 and the amount raised so far (when I visited the website Saturday evening) is $7,555.

A team representing this newspaper is entered, but there are many others committed to the success of this year’s Kentville Relay for Life. If you know of a team or individual participant, reach out.

Even if you’re not onsite June 13, a pledge ensures a level of involvement that promises a brighter, cancer-free future somewhere down the line. Think about that for a moment if you’ve ever been brushed by cancer either personally or indirectly, and then lend your support.

If you’d like more information, contact Amanda Bent, Canadian Cancer Society, at (902) 765-4029 or e-mail: amanda.bent@ns.cancer.ca. Get involved. Every bit can make a big difference.