When I was 11 years old I found an odd bump in my upper arm. This "bump" was first identified as a cyst and I was told I would have to undergo surgery so it wouldn't badly affect me later on. A little after my first surgery, I went back to see my surgeon and she told me that my "cyst" was actually a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Luckily, we were able to get rid of the tumour after the second surgery and it is very unlikely for it to ever come back. However, that time in my life has really stuck with me.

I always knew cancer was a scary and emotional disease, but having that knowledge was no match for the real deal. I remember hearing the word “cancer” come from my surgeon's mouth and completely shutting down afterward. The fear I felt in that moment encompassed my entire being and I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t do more than sit still in my chair and try not to let the overwhelming tears flood out from my eyes.

I was really lucky getting the kind of cancer I got, but unfortunately, most people aren’t. So many people are faced with varying severities of cancer and many don’t live to tell the tale. On my dad’s side of the family, 8 out of 10 of us have, have had, or have died of cancer. That’s why it is so important to support charities in the battle against this uncontrollable disease.

It would mean so much to me and so many other people if you could donate to Relay For Life and help me reach, or even surpass my goal. Any amount helps whether it’s big or small, so please think about helping out and making an impact on countless people’s lives.