Employee Spotlight - Colette Klure
We all know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, has survived cancer, or has passed away from cancer – they are either a family member or a friend. I have seen what it does to a person, their family, and their friends and I know the rigorous treatment that a person goes through to try to overcome it. I Relay for multiple family members, who are survivors and who have passed. But one of the main reasons I continue to raise money for the American Cancer Society is that I believe someday there will be a world where no one must hear the words "You have cancer."
I started participating in Relay for Life in the year 2000 when my younger brothers’ best friend was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Little did I know that this would become a passion and over the years I would see, experience, and watch cancer affect the ones I love/loved. My mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2001, yes, she is still alive and cancer free thanks to God and very talented doctors. Relay for Life is a time to walk and participate in activities with friends to celebrate those who are fighting the fight, those who have already won, and even to celebrate the lives of those who have lost the fight. I have found that just sitting at my campsite, yes sitting at my campsite, Relay for life is a 24-hour event, watching people walk around the track, and watching people participate in activities is enough to put a smile on my face. It gives me the chills to think about the strong sense of hope and love that you can feel as soon as you set foot at a Relay for Life event each year.
Throughout the day you hear speakers who have had firsthand experience with cancer - whether it be themselves or a loved one. Then during the Luminaria Ceremony, you are reminded why you Relay and why finishing the fight and finding the cure is so important. The Luminaria Ceremony is personally my favorite part of Relay because I can remember everyone in my life who has been affected by cancer. I either silently celebrate their strength and their faith or I reflect on the life that they had before cancer took it from them
Relay for Life may have its own issues, as may the American Cancer Society, but I do not care about that. I do not Relay for them. I Relay for every person who has ever felt pitied or felt like they brought down the mood of a conversation by mentioning their cancer. I Relay for those who Survived, and for those who did not, may they rest in peace. But mostly, I Relay because it is the only place that anyone, man, woman, or child, any race, any age, any religion, can come together to feel normal, to fight for a cure, and to be recognized for this thing they had to go through, without feeling pitied or sad.
The pandemic has affected Relay for Life events nationwide. When I saw the 30 miles in 30 days event on Facebook I just had to join, not only to walk but to raise money for the cause.
There is no finish line until we find a cure!!!