Call to arms -- Cancer survivors have a point: We should get involved

Irene Thornton is right. And so is Kem Lancaster.

And if you asked any one of the hundreds of people who gathered for this year's Survivors' Banquet in preparation for the 2015 Relay for Life, they would echo the sentiment.

More people should get involved with the fundraiser that brings money and attention to the fight against cancer.

There were plenty of people in the room Thursday who are alive because of research that brought new weapons and new hope.

And there are many thousands and millions more who have a chance today because of the money raised to fund ground-breaking research.

And if you want a reason to Relay -- a face and attitude to celebrate as you walk around the tents and enjoy the festivities May 15-16 -- think of little Chase Hooker.

He isn't sitting around worrying about his leukemia diagnosis. And he isn't complaining about the medical treatment he is enduring.

He is much more excited about his new kitty cat -- and the Ninja Turtles.

And he likely will be around to tell his story to a room full of survivors some day -- just like Amanda McMurray.

She had leukemia, too -- 27 years ago, at age 6.

There is still time to get involved, to donate, to celebrate, to honor.

The goal is that some day, the word "cancer" won't be as scary -- and it is already less so because of the breakthroughs funded by people just like us.

That is why Thursday's banquet was as much a celebration as it was a tribute to courage.

And it is why we need to make finding a cure for this menace our top priority.

That is our war.

And with people like Irene, Kem, Chase and Amanda in our corner -- and the thousands of other cancer survivors who do battle every day with courage and spunk -- how could we lose.

Get Ready to Relay. Get ready to win.

Published in Editorials on April 24, 2015 10:49 AM