Relay for Life event co-chairperson Jody Delgado, a cancer survivor, says the committee of volunteers she works with is like family. The annual event raises money for the American Cancer Society, the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the country. Since 1946, the nonprofit has funded more than $3.3 billion of cancer research. (Courtesy photo)
by KIM HILSENBECK
Jody Delgado relayed for her mom and grandmother after they both passed away from breast cancer. Now she relays for herself as a breast cancer survivor.
Relay for Life is an all-night team-walking relay that raises money, and awareness, for the American Cancer Society. It also honors survivors and pays tribute to lives lost.
“Cancer doesn’t sleep,” said Delgado, “so why should we?”
Delgado, 40, is the event co-chairperson for the May 11 event to be held at Barton Middle School in Kyle. It’s one of 6,000 locations across the United States to participate in Relay for Life.
While currently cancer-free, Delgado has gone through two rounds of chemotherapy treatments, one round of radiation treatment, a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy.
“My ovaries also need to come out,” Delgado said.
First diagnosed in 2005, Delgado said her family history made her more susceptible to breast cancer. She has what’s known as a mutated BRCA gene. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. Mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
“I have three sisters,” Delgado said. “Two of them have the mutated BRCA gene, and one already got a preemptive mastectomy.”
The other sister did not test positive.
The American Cancer Society estimates about one in three people will develop some form of cancer, even without a genetic predisposition to the disease. In 2012 alone, more than 226,000 women in the United States are projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Hundreds of thousands more will develop another type of cancer.
Relay for Life is for all cancer survivors and those who lost the battle.
One of the more poignant moments of the night is the luminaria ceremony – also known as the Ceremony of Hope – as a way to honor and remember those who succumbed to the disease.
Relay attendees purchase a candle in a paper sack filled with sand. The candles are lit at the same time – the illumination effect, Delgado said, is powerful.
Being part of Relay for Life has helped Delgado deal with her personal loss of family as well as given her strength to fight her own battles.
“We bleed purple,” Delgado said of the Relay for Life folks she’s met and works with all year long.
This year’s Relay for Life Schedule:
May 11 at Barton Middle School
Opening Ceremony: 7 p.m.
Survivor Lap: 7 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 9 p.m.
Fight Back: 11:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremony: 6 a.m.
Rally Around Relay at Hays CISD
Several Relay for Life activities are happening around the district in support of the event.
The Buda/Kyle Relay for Life Committee set a goal of participation from teams representing every campus and department at Hays CISD. So far, there are more than nine teams from around the district; there are 36 total teams for the event to date that have raised a collective $22,081.
Many Hays CISD teams will also be selling goodies throughout the all-night event.
In addition, the district is asking everyone to wear purple on May 11 in support of those whose lives have been changed forever due to the devastating affects of cancer. A special purple shirt with the theme “One District – One Color – One Cure” was available for purchase with all profits going to Relay for Life.
