Support the fight against cancer July 12

Several months ago, I witnessed a miracle in my town. A young woman, Taylor Peterson, faced terminal cancer and her last wish was to enjoy a vacation with her family.

In response, a community of roughly 6,000 people pulled together and raised more than $50,000 in just days. Unfortunately, the story did not end happily, but in my eyes that does not diminish the greatness of the feat: The power of community. There is strength in numbers, and when we pull together, anything is possible.

Sadly, Taylor did not win her battle, but we can’t forget that the war against cancer continues. She was an amazing person who even in her death taught a lesson to each of us: “Never give up. Don’t ever give up.” Just because one battle ended tragically does not mean we give up the fight.

I would like to challenge our community to continue to fight against cancer. On Friday, July 12, the Columbia Falls Relay for Life kicks off with a Survivor Celebration at the high school track at 6 p.m. and continues throughout the night and into the morning.

At 10:15 p.m. there will be a Luminaria Ceremony honoring those who have won and lost their battle with cancer. This is a free event. You do not have to be registered or on a team. You are not required to walk for miles. You just have to have a heart to support those who have fought and continue to fight. There will be plenty of ways to contribute to this fundraiser at the event. Just come. I know our community is capable of great things. I’ve seen it.

Relay for Life is the largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, which is the second largest funder of cancer research. If you wonder what they do for people in our community, just check out www.cancer.org. Or come to Relay for Life and pick up some information. Or find me and talk to me. I’d be more than happy to tell you how the American Cancer Society helped to save my life.

Cancer is a beast that robs us not only of our health but can steal our joy and peace of mind. It can destroy relationships and weaken hope. Cancer is a life-long, 24/7 fight. Whether you are currently in treatment or five years with “no evidence of disease,” the war continues.

It also continues for those who don’t yet know if cancer is in their future. We fight for our parents, grandparents, siblings, children. We fight so that they do not have to experience the loss that Taylor’s friends and family faced. We fight so that no one ever has to hear the words, “You have cancer.”

Dina Wood is the event chairperson for the Columbia Falls Relay for Life.