Support annual Relay for Life on June 15 and help race for a cure

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

I made a doctor’s appointment as soon as I got home and was quickly scheduled for tests. Within days I was in surgery. Twenty-two of the 33 lymph nodes removed were determined to be malignant. I was diagnosed with ‘‘stage three plus” breast cancer.

My battle with cancer has been a physical and emotional roller coaster ride. But with the help of my dedicated physicians, Dr. Arati Patel and Dr. Sheldon Goldberg, the fabulous staff at the Calvert Memorial Hospital infusion center, and wonder drugs like Herceptin, I am finally starting to feel like my old self again.

As strange as it seems to say, cancer has actually been a blessing in disguise. I have been able to get my priorities in their proper order and realize what is really important in life — my health and my family.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful support system of family and friends who were always there for me.

They not only kept my spirits up, but kept my business going as well so I could concentrate on getting well.

I had lost my brother to cancer years ago and I was determined I was not going to let it take me, too. I would drag myself out of bed no matter how lousy I felt, did my hair and makeup, dressed for work and from there went straight to chemotherapy. The staff at the infusion center would tease me for coming in all dressed up for chemo. I was determined to keep my life as normal as possible, including looking professional even when I least felt like it. It will be a while before I go for more tests to see if I am actually ‘‘cancer free,” but I believe in the power of positive thinking.

I know I am one of the lucky ones. Ten years ago, I would not have had a shot of surviving my cancer.

But thankfully new breakthroughs are happening every day.

Because of continuing research and discoveries, some cancers are treated with just radiation and chemotherapy. Now there are even vaccines for several types of cancer. The cure, however, remains elusive.

While I was going through my treatments, people would often say to me, ‘Let us know if there is anything we can ever do for you.’ Well, there is something that would mean a lot to me.

I am asking everyone to join with me in the fight to eradicate cancer in our lifetime. Sign on to be a part of the 10th Annual Relay For Life of Calvert County.

This is one of 4,400 Relay For Life events taking place each year across the country and around the world. And right here in Calvert County, this event is growing in leaps and bounds.

Last year Relay For Life of Calvert County grossed more than $301,000 and with expenses of only $4,500, we netted more than $296,500.

More than 1,300 team members were registered and another 500 folks came out to cheer them on as they took the track.

That’s 1,800 Calvert neighbors and friends coming together in one night for a single cause.

Twenty of the 23 Calvert County public schools had teams walking to fight this disease. What a great way to teach our kids the value of community service and the importance of ‘‘giving something back.”

I am proud to be one of several corporate sponsors for this year’s Relay For Life of Calvert County. You, too, can play an important part. Join a team, support a team member, donate a door prize or silent auction item. Most importantly, come out and join us that night.

This year’s relay takes place from 6 p.m. Friday, June 15, to 6 a.m. the next morning at Calvert High School.

Admission is free and open to everyone who wants to have fun and at the same time, support a fabulous cause.

There will be live entertainment, games and lots of great food.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society to fund research and patient programs.

For more information on how you can be a part of this wonderful event, contact Event Chair, Judi Coyle, at 410-257-0606 or e-mail the Event Vice Chair, Claire Piason, at clairepiason@comcast.net. Come out and walk with us and help us find a cure.

Sandy Monger, Prince Frederick

The writer is a real estate agent with Discount Realty Services USA.