Why I Relay
Monday, March 12, 2012
By: Joanne Gingras

I relay because I know first hand how cruel cancer can be. I want to give as as much of myself to help fight this disease. If what I go through now can prevent someones suffering I am there.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer December 2009. January to August 2010 was surgery, radiation and chemo. The chemo had to be stopped after 5 treatments or I would not be typing these words today. December 2011 pain started in my back, April 2011 I was told the cancer had spread to my bones and lungs. I spent 3 weeks in the hospital, had aggressive radiation treatments. Did a clinical study with no success. I was told this could be over in 3 months. Pretty freaky thing to process... I decided that no it was not going to be over in 3 months (that was 9 months ago) I am still receiving chemo treatments today 3 times a month. I hope my scans in March are good. I intend to participate in the Relay walking this year. Last year I relayed in a wheel chair. I do not let cancer stop me from living my life, it is what it is. I have cancer, cancer does not have me and never will. My spirit is mine to keep.