I knew what cancer was. It was taught in biology, it was spoken about in warning to packaged food, awareness postered littered bathroom stalls. I didn't stop to think how much it impacted my life. 

In my grade 10 math class, our teacher implored us to participate in Relay for Life. Most of us just thought it was a way to skip school, another pitch to get involved. Little did we know she had battled cancer for the majority of her life. 

She never spoke about it, never gave us a reason to think she was anything but strong. We just saw her as the strict but kind math teacher. Besides her shared pictures of her adorable huskey and her distain for lazy students, we knew nothing more.

On the day of Relay for life, that moring, she shared her story about cancer. Her tone was matter-of-fact, and she made it seem like it was no big deal. I remember sitting in my seat, rooted with shock. Now as a first year university student I can say I know better, but as a grade 10 student I had no idea how anyone could be that strong. My friend beside me shared the sentiment, after class we spoke in hushed voices about our revelation. "I could never tell, I never knew."

Relay for Life is more than just an event. It supports people who decided to share their stories and those who did not. Together, we honor every fight, every survivor, and every memory made. Help support us and create awareness about cancer.