This year, more than 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. For Lee Lord of Volcano, that statistic became real and very personal when he heard the words “you have cancer” and had to process what that would mean for life.
Lord was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) Nov. 19, 2007, and he has been diagnosed four times since then with his last diagnosis in 2015.
Lord has been an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 2008 volunteering, over the years with different committees for the Relay For Life event. This year, he is the event co-chairman.
Lord also has been willing to take on some of the volunteer leadership roles for the Western Region, assisting with training and sharing information. He is on the American Cancer Society Pacific Region Board and also is a contributing member of the Cancer Action Network, the entity that provides lobbying and legislative education on the local state and national level.
“The whole mission of relay is to, one, teach people how make healthy choices that prevent cancer, such as diet, exercise, sunscreen, medical screenings, etc., and two, research that has decreased the percent of patients dying from cancer that are diagnosed by 26 percent over the last 25 years is significant,” Lord said.
“Research is the answer to ending cancer. We have to fund the research,” he said.
Lord welcomes all community members to celebrate at the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Hilo from 4 p.m.-midnight July 21 at Francis Wong Stadium.
“Join us in the fight against cancer as we raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer,” he said. “Money raised at Relay For Life events nationwide help to fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.”
Money raised will also help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today in our Hilo Community by providing vital patient programs and assistance.
This year’s theme, “Carnival for a Cure,” is a fitting description for the relay that brings together business or friend-and-family teams to fight back against cancer. Teams have tent sites that have carnival types of games or sell food with all money raised going to the American Cancer Society.
The lineup of activities includes Zumba, a fitness course, entertainment and information promoting healthy living, to name of few.
Luminaria also will be lighted by people in the Hilo community in honor of every life touched by cancer. You can dedicate a luminaria to a loved one lost, someone going through cancer or for anyone who has overcome cancer. Luminaria are available to purchase at the event, online or in advance by calling 935-9763.
Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to the pre-Relay For Life luncheon from 2-4 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale to honor their cancer journey and the support their caregivers provide.
Survivor’s and their caregivers also are asked to be honored guests to start the opening lap as all participants cheer you on in a symbolism of your cancer journey.
For more information, visit www.RelayForLife.org/hilohi or call 935-9763.
