Walk a mile in their shoes

If you haven’t heard it before, the saying goes like this: Everybody knows somebody whose life has been affected by cancer. A friend, a loved one, a relative—the disease will strike one out of every three Americans sometime in their life.

Millions of dollars go to cancer research and programs each year, and while finding a cure for the disease in our lifetime may or may not become a reality, that doesn’t mean we as average citizens should give up the fight. Far from it.

On June 25 at Calabasas High School, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life drew double the turnout over last year as over 400 participants assembled into 36 “teams” and walked the track for 24 consecutive hours in the name of cancer research and awareness.

At 3 a.m. Sunday, while you and I slept, at least one member from each team was still on the track carrying the torch. Tired and bleary-eyed, the volunteers continued their trek around the clock in the hopes of raising $100,000 in pledges. The city of Calabasas team, “Soar Feet/Cure Chasers,” led all groups with $18,520.

Betty Huenergardt, a breast cancer survivor from Kansas, arrived in town to be on a team with her daughter and grandson. Ernie Cavazos, a cancer survivor in his 30s, took part in the relay as well. Some of the participants had family members who had died from the disease, others just wanted to show their support.

At sunset, candles were lit to illuminate the track and offer a path of hope. Emotions ran high and for some, the tears began to flow.

Next time you have the opportunity, please donate to the cancer fundraiser of your choice.

Most importantly, learn to protect yourself with a healthy diet and regular cancer screenings. For a disease such as this, prevention is the best cure.

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