Why I Relay

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All I remeber are is the story I was told. At 4 yrs old my family, (mom, dad ,and sister), all got sick. Everyone got better with the exception of me. My mom took me to every Doctors office and Hospital is Bakersfield, and they all told her the same thing... "she has the flu" It got to where I was sleeping 23 hours a day, so My mom took me to Kern Medical Center, where she was told to wait. She noticed my breathing starting to get shallow, and did what most moms would have and proceeded to the back of the Emergency room without permission. A Doctor heard the comotion and came out the doors to the ER. My mom thrust me into his arms, and went to fill out the proper paper work to get me registered. With in the hour my mom was told to pack a bag, that I had Leukemia and we were being helevacted To UCLA. Once at UCLA I was in a simi-contious state, where I stayed for 3 days being pumped with all sorts of medications. After that I remember spinal taps, and blood work. I did 2 years of Chemotheraphy, and 1 1/2 year of maintenance. I am alive today because of the doctors at UCLA, and my mom who never stopped trying to find out what was wrong with me.

Amanda Sager

For everyone that has gone though this or is going through this all I can say is my heart goes out to you. I lost my aunt in 1997, I was there with her when she was fighitn breast cancer. I went all the way to Mexico to take care of her. There were times when I would have to carry her, bathe her, feed her and try to give her some type of comfort!. She suffered so much and still would make you laugh! She was a strong woman and never lost her faith. I came back home and two weeks later she passed away. When I got the call I droped to my knees and felt so guilty and so sad. I still have dreams about her and it still hurts to know I could not help her even more but at least this way me trying to help raise money in her memory and for each person battling and supporting cancer makes me feel that I can help in some way. We can all help by being more involved.

Ana Lopez

My mom Deanna Hickle went in for a deep tissue massage in the beginning on November 2006. The day after she was having chest pains and thought nothing of it. Well it continued for the rest of the week so she went to her family dr. and they thought it was just the stretching of the muscles. It still continued to hurt, so she went to her dr. for a breast exam. The mammogram came back fine, but she still continued to have pain. The dr. ordered for an ultrasound and we got a call from the dr. the day after and he said he wanted to talk to her. He did a biopsy and found out it was cancer stage 3. We were all very shocked my the news. My mom is all i have and I couldn't stop crying, but i wanted to stay strong for her. She did chemo and radiation. Chemo was hard for her. My mom started to lose her hair so she just shaved her head. It was sad to see my mom bald from the chemo. I helped raise money to get her a nice wig and helped with her daycare when the chemo made her sick. After her reconstructive surgery she had so many scars. It is very hard to see my mom this way. She helps everybody out and is a great person. She is a 2 year survivor now and shes gonna keep on beating it. I do not want to see anyone have to go through what she went through. I wanna see an end to cancer in my lifetime. I relay for my mom and for everyone like her, for the people that beat cancer and for the ones that couldn't. Help me in my fight to find a cure to this illness.

Breanna Paladini

Team Ta Ta's Taking Out Cancer

My reason to relay is for my cousin Andy Cadena. Andy was diagnosed in October 2009. The cancer originated in his pancreas, but had already spread to his colon, liver and lungs. We had Andy with us for almost 4 months to the day of diagnoses before he was taken from us on January 30, 2010. I watched a man with a kind spirit and great courage never give up on his fight. It is because of how Andy chose to confront this disease, that I choose to fight in his memory but also in his honor. This is a horrific disease that has taken too many loved ones from us, there is no stopping Andys Angels until there is a cure.

Cassie Abraham

My 4 siblings and I, along with our families, began to Relay after we lost our mother in Dec. 2005 from lung Cancer. We had known that mom was participating in "The Cancer walk" but we had absolutely no idea what we were about to learn about "The Cancer walk". We came upon mother's previous years survivor medals and the more we saw the more we realized how important it was to her and how important it became to us. We knew we had to pick up the torch and move forward in her honor and that's exactly what we have done. Our first year was definitely one of raw emotion but we made it through and have looked forward to Relay each year with great excitement ever since. We feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful event and wish everyone could experience Relay before it becomes something they "need" rather than something they are "supporting'. There is quite a funny story about our team name so if you need to hear a good "funny" come by our campsite and ask one of us to tell you how we got our name: Team Not Quite Right.

Cheryl Mathews

Cancer has ravaged my family; from most of my grandparents to both my beloved parents, and dear frirends, I've watched this monster devastate people I love and eventually take them away, always too soon. Until I experienced Relay, cancer had won, there was nothing to do but accept these loses. Not anymore; now we fight back with everything in us to defeat this nasty foe! Relay has given me, my family, and our friends an opportunity to DO something that makes a difference to those battling this awful disease and to help keep millions from falling victim to it. My 4 siblings (1 brother and 3 sisters) first learned of Relay after my mom died from lung cancer in 2005. We found her survivor medals when we were all together going through her things soon after her death. She had told us that she did that "cancer walk", but we had no idea what that meant, or how important it would become to us. December 2005 was when the five of us made a decision to honor mom by continuing to Relay in her honor. We formed the Not Quite Right Team and stepped into the ring to kill off this killer. It has become our family reunion each year; my brother comes in from Arizona and my baby sister comes from Missouri. We can't think of a better way to remember, celebrate and fight back. The team has grown from the 5 of us and our families to include a number of friends; old and new. One of our team members lost his battle with cancer last August and one is currently fighting for her life. This has only served to increase our determination to win this fight! The Not Quite Right Team will continue to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1) and will fight to the finish as we honor and remember those we've lost and those who continue to fight! There is no finish line until we find a cure!

Christie Ray

My Reason To Relay, My name is Deanna Hickle and i am a 2yr Breast Cancer Survivor :) This is my 1st year doing Relay 4 Life and i am so excited. The main reason i am doing Relay 4 Life is so i can let everyone know the importance of Mammograms and Ultrasounds. I was actually misdiagnosed for years. One day i went in for a deep tissue massage and a couple of days later i felt like my back was bruised and my left breast was swelling and the nipple indenting a little, i knew something wasn't right so i went to my OBGYN Dr. I saw the Nurse Practioner and she was very rude and said "you are fine, we will just put this in the strange file", talk about rude. Anyways i knew something was wrong so i asked her tons of questions and was very persistent. She must of got tired of answering them and then stated "let's do another Mammogram to ease your mind" (which i just had one 6mos prior) and an ultrasound. Needless to say a week or so later i recieved a call from my OBGYN Dr. and over the phone he had told me i had Cancer. I was shocked i knew their was something wrong but never thought it was Cancer. What was i gonna do? This is what i did. I fought and prayed everday and never gave up. I was diagnosed in November of 2006 and in December of 2006 they removed all the Cancer. Dr Patel who is the best Dr. and i love him very much, said he was gonna hit me hard with Chemo to prevent it from coming back and he did. 6mos of Chemo and 34 rounds of Radiation, it was tough. My last Surgery which was Reconstruction was Jan. of 2008. 2 years later i am finally done and yes i kicked Cancers Ass!!!! I would like to thank my Husband for going to my Appts. with me. My Kids Breanna, Nikki and Manuel. My Niece Chy. Brian for his poetry and keeping my spirits up. Also everyone who was praying for me. The Power Of Prayer works miracles and i am living proof. I also want to thank all of my Daycare Parents for staying with me cuz believe it or not your kids helped me get through this and take my mind off of the C word. My Team Captain Stephanie you are the best and i am so gald you and Riley came into my life. Thanx for everything :) Thank You, Deanna Hickle Team Ta Ta's Taking Out Cancer!

Deanna Hickle

You Must Read This, It Could Save Your Life

I will relay this year in memory of my amazing Uncle, James Van Meter. After battling and beating throat cancer, lung cancer consumed him and took him from us all to soon. He was never a smoker so it was quite a shock and still shakes us to the core. Myself and my family will walk in his honor this year and hopefully years to come.

Erica HIler

It all started when I was a little girl I was with my brother in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day and I saw that my brother was crying.well,I just thought that he was hungry.but , it actually turned out to be cancer!I was so sad that my one year old brother had been diagnosed with blood cancer(Leukemia).I didn't know what to think, I was in total shock! From then on I love my brother so much than I did before. Even though some people treat him different, I treat him like a regular cute little brother.I Entered the Relay For Life event because I wanted to dedicate this for my little brother for living with Leukemia for six years out of his seven years of living. A few days of go, my brother got his transplant and there are just two months left until he comes home! I can't wait because we will have the best life and make everyday a positive day with a smile on our faces. Even though I don't have cancer I am grateful that I have a brother that has cancer with a great attitude and doesn't let anything get in his way!!

Jackeline Muneton

I relay for my family and friends. My Nana has had breast cancer four times and is now thankfully cancer-free... most recently, my aunt has been diagnosed with breast cancer. My friends have lost loved ones to cancer as well. I realize there is a good chance that your family - someone you love - will be afflicted with this disease in this lifetime and I encourage you to help and volunteer in any way you can. Please join me in Relay for Life. Thank you in advance for your support. Together we can Fight Back and Win!

Jena Owens

My Fight Against Cancer

I walk for many reasons that are connected through me walking for them. I walk for my friend Karla who lost her Mom Olivia to cancer and misses her everyday. I walk for my Nana- a breast cancer SURVIVOR who passed away at age 91 after surviving many years cancer free. I walk for my Aunt Jeanne. I walk for my team members that have family members that they lost to cancer or who have fought cancer themselves. I walk for Vicki Gillis- a breast cancer survivor and fighter for sure. Finally, I walk for Elma, My Husbands Mom who we lost to cancer after she fought so bravely and without complaint. Cancer robbed us of sharing her with her Granddaughter Katelynn born 3 months after her passing. We were robbed of her love and sense of humor and my husband misses his Mom dearly every day. We walk to make a difference and feel empowered. This will be my 3rd year at RFL and what inspired me to walk originally grows with each year. What drives me is to get more and more people inspired to join in the fight against cancer and to come together as a community as one and find a cure for this thing that takes away Moms and sisters and Nana's and Friends and brothers and Dads and sadly, sometimes children. Please join us at Bakersfield's Relay for Life on May 2 and 3rd. You won't be sorry you did!

Kathy Gillis

The many reasons I walk

I Relay for Christmas PJs. You're probably thinking what is she talking about...let me explain. Growing up, we were always allowed to open one Christmas present on Christmas Eve. Each year it was a new pair of pajamas. About eight years ago my mom started buying the two of us very whimsical matching pajamas. Christmas is my mom's favorite holiday and she is a cancer survivor. Relay helps ensure that we'll be sharing Christmas PJs for many years to come. I love you Momma!

Laurie Alexander

I Relay for Christmas PJs

I wish I could say that I have been relaying for years. Sadly it took losing my best friend to cancer to get me involved. Susan Webb was forty four years old when she died on May 7th of 2007. It makes me sad to know that she has two more Grandchildren that she didn’t live to see. Although I have accepted her death, I will NEVER accept the way she died. At Frito Lay we formed Susan’s Recycling for the Cure to raise research money. Aluminum cans and plastic bottles are now our weapon of choice in the search for a cure. Every penny we raise from recycling brings hope for a cure. I dream of a day when not one man, woman or child will have to suffer and die of this awful disease.

Lynn Branch

My Best Friend

I was diagnosed with breast caner 15 months ago. Breast cancer does not run in my family so I feel it is even more important to get the word out on self exams....I had had a mammogram 6 months prior but nothing was found....It was by the grace of God that I myself found my lump and went in for an exam and the rest is history. I had to have two lumpectomies and then realized the cancer was more wide spread though out my breast and I had a mastectomy which followed with Chemotherapy and then radiation. Just lst week I started my reconstruction and had my left breast removed and now I have having my skin stretched and getting put back together again. I was blessed by God to have such a supporting family and a great group of friends who did whatever they could for me. Everyone was so awesome and I was able to ask anyone for help. Our family was blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends to help us in every way. I was able to walk the survior walk last year while in the middle of my chemo. This year we have a team called SAVING SISTAS......I teach at Wayside Elementary and by collecting coins for one month the students were able to raise about $2000.00. WOW...I will see you all out this again this year....

Mary Barron

My Reason to Relay Susie Park is my reason to relay. Susie is my wife, and mother of our three sons Lucas (20) Wyatt (14) and Morgan (12). Susie is currently in the fourth year of a battle with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma, more commonly known as Breast Cancer. Shortly after diagnosis, Susie went through a round of chemo aimed at reducing the size of her tumor in order to make a lumpectomy possible. The chemo was successful in shrinking the tumor and the lumpectomy was done, followed by radiation. Initial findings after the lumpectomy were very positive. The tumor was gone. Within days of receiving the good news, we were informed that the cancer had metastasized and was in Susie's lungs. A new round of chemo was started to attack the cancer in the lungs. Just about the time the tumors in Susie's lungs began to show a reduction, Susie's hip broke because the cancer had moved into her bones. After more radiation, chemo, and a titaniam rod, Susie was back on her feet and teaching again. I should mention that through this whole process, Susie has kept her job as an 8th grade Language Arts teacher, only missing school when medically necessary. The treatment of the lung tumors continued, and Susie battled back. Next was the news that there was some cancer on her liver. More chemo. Most recently, the cancer has spread to Susie's brain. A three week round of whole brain radiation was administered as well as a new recipe of chemo. The latest test results show a reduction of about half of the tumors, with shrinkage in the rest. Susie will begin a new round of brain radiation mid march. The battle rages on. Our friends and family continue to pray for Susie to be cured. I think I have said enough about why I will Relay this year, and why I encourage you to be a part of the American Cancer Society's effort to raise money to find a cure. We thank GOD daily for: Our friends and family, Dr. Ravi Patel, Dr. Ajay Desai, all the nurses and staff at Bakersfield's Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC), Dr. Dennis Slamon, Ron Perelman and Revlon, and Complete Energy. Without the support from the people and companies listed above, and the hope that we have through our Savior Jesus Christ, we would not be able to endure this extreme trial that is Breast Cancer.

Nick Park

We Relay each year in memory of our beautiful Gracianna Nicole Register. She lost her brave battle with a brain stem tumor at the very young age of 3 after 18 months of fighting. Each day during her struggle she always had a beautiful smile on her face that would light up a room. Even on the worst days she was always happy. She endured many surgeries at UCLA, radiation and chemo at The Florence Wheeler Cancer Center, and many stays in the PICU at UCLA. When other places told us that there was no hope we always looked up and knew that we had to fight for our beautiful angel. UCLA and the wonderful people at The Florence Wheeler Cancer center never gave up and they tried everything despite her age. We our thankful for them everyday that we got to spend extra time with our angel.

Stephanie Register

Cancer Sucks - Racing for Gracie

Our fight for cancer is in Memory of our precious grandaughter. Fight back with us for our Princess Kayla, at age 20 months Kayla was diagnosed with a agressive form of brain cancer, ATRT on her right frontal lobe, we could not give up even thought the odds were against us. Children under the age of 3 only have 10% survival rate. Kayla was a inspiration to all of us and touched so many lives. After her initial surgery on 6-24-08 at Kaiser Sunset, we still had to fight for this angel that God gave us. We turned to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memhis TN. Kayla had 2 additional surgeries and completed 4 rounds of chemo therapy and was getting ready for radiation. When our fight ended this horriable desease as we know as cancer had returned in full force. The doctors did everything to get rid of this cancer but our angel was taken from us on 1-10-2009 in the arms of her parents at home. Kayla left behind mother Rachelle Blair, father Henry Blair and brother Taylor and many other family and friends. Help us by fighting back to find a cure for this terriable desease known as cancer. Weither it is childhood cancer or any string of cancer. Cancer has touched everyone in one way or another. LETS FIGHT BACK. In memory of our precious granddaughter. GO TEAM PRINCESS KAYLA - KAYLA BLAIR

Tamera Griffith

Team Princess Kayla - Kayla Blair

My family has been has been hit really hard with Cancer. I lost my both my great grandparents within 8 months of eachother...as a matter of fact my great grandma died 6 days after my 7th birthday.I was really close with her. But, one of the most amazing girls i know and i am proud to call her my best friend passed this past january losing her 8yr long battle with cancer. She was such a blessing to me.i concidered her my sister. I loved her and i regret not getting to spend as much time as i wanted to with her. I regret not taking as much pictures with her as i could have. I Think and i can say that she is one reason i inspire to be a photographer...I want to take advantage of every moment, i want to capture every moment and i dont want to waste a second..and I REALLY dont want to regret not taking a picture or capturing that moment/memory...I love and miss each and everyone who passed away in my family...but i have noticed and with the help of relay for life have realized that even though they are gone from this earth they are still helping and guiding us as we walk through our lives almost like as if they are lighting our paths and showing us the way we should go ...thank you so much relay for life.. I am raising money for the 16yr old girl in the future whose best friend/ sister has been diagnosed with cancer..that she doesnt have to deal with losing her....

Tori Hernandez

Why I walk