[metaslider id=8862]
DAN ORZECHOWSKI
Assistant News Editor
On Saturday morning, Tami Marsh answered an incoming call. On the line was her daughter, asking if Marsh could speak at Fredonia’s Relay for Life event, a fundraiser put on by Colleges Against Cancer, in Steele Hall later that night.
Despite the short notice, she agreed and drove an hour from her home in Delevan, New York. Marsh had never pictured herself speaking before a crowd and definitely not in front of one as big as the Relay turnout.
The decision was personal, though.
Five years ago, Marsh was told she had endometrial cancer.
“As soon as I heard that word, cancer, I completely shut down. My mind went blank, and I just couldn’t comprehend anything,” said Marsh.
Cancer hasn’t been merciful to Marsh’s family. Several of her aunts and uncles have passed away over the past few years because of the disease. Her mother, who accompanied Marsh on Saturday, was also diagnosed.
Both Marsh and her mother weren’t fond of the idea of giving up. So they fought, and they won, both are now cancer-free.
At the opening ceremony, Marsh introduced herself and told the crowd about her situation. Joined by members of Colleges Against Cancer on stage, she explained how alone something like cancer can make someone feel, but also how important it is to have a positive outlook.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care who you are, what color your skin is, what religion you have. It’s still going to come after you,” she said. “You just have to come out on the other side. Believe in God, believe in your friends and family. Just start loving everyone because you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring.”
Marsh left the stage to a standing ovation and just like that, the relay kicked off.
Continuing the annual ritual, present cancer survivors embarked the opening lap around the indoor track. Together, they marched around the oval to a cheering crowd as Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” played.
At this year’s Relay, upwards of $19,000 was raised and given to the Buffalo chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Inspired by “The Wizard of Oz,” this year’s theme was “There’s No Place Like Hope.” Sheets of yellow construction paper were posted along the walls to mimic the famous Yellow Brick Road. Placed in a corner was a green tent bearing a sign that read “Emerald City.” If they weren’t walking the track, this is where you’d find the survivors.
Once the survivors finished their lap, the torch was passed to everyone else. A sea of people soon traced the track. Starting at 4 p.m., the relay lasted for 12 hours. The duration is meant to give a sense of a cancer victim’s struggles.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 1985, Gordon Klatt fundraised money by walking around a track for 24 hours in Tacoma, Washington. Klatt raised $27,000 to fight cancer. A year later, teams of victims and volunteers followed Klatt’s footsteps.
Today, Relay events can be found in more than 5,200 communities in 27 countries.
Marsh will continue to volunteer for Relay for Life, and although she’d prefer more time to prepare, she would definitely be willing to speak again.