Alice Sterns had known several distant relatives who had died from cancer. But it wasn’t until 2008, when her best friend was diagnosed with brain cancer, that she began to understand the depth of the disease.
That was the year that Sterns got involved with Relay For Life, a series of fund-raising events in which teams of individuals take turns walking in honor of cancer victims, fighters and survivors.
That year she walked for her friend.
This year, someone will be walking for her.
In 2009, Sterns was diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme — one of the most common, and deadly, forms of brain cancer.
Now, Sterns said, she is “living life day by day waiting for it to take me.”
“Cancer just ravishes a person mentally, physically and spiritually,” Sterns said. “I didn’t understand the impact and most people don’t.”
But at Relay for Life events, she said, “you get to hear people’s stories and it becomes very real and personal. These are real people that you have seen and interacted with that you could be losing.”
More than 577,000 people in the United States are expected to die from cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. That toll accounts for nearly one out of every four deaths in the country.
Seeking to bring the fight against cancer to the attention to Utah State University — and to raise money for improved treatment — the Utah State University chapter of Colleges Against Cancer will hold a Relay For Life event on April 15, 2012.
For 24 hours participants will walk the track at the Nelson Field House to represent the sleepless nights that come with the effects of cancer. Music, activities and food will also be available for the participants. Honorary ceremonies will also be held for those who have lost their lives in the cancer fight.
“This is an incredible opportunity for USU students as well as members of the community to come together,” said Meghan Woolstenhulme, the co-chair of the event as well as a cancer survivor. “Having cancer is emotionally and financially burdening and this event gives people the opportunity to help.”
Funds raised will be given to the American Cancer Society for patients’ travel expenses during treatment as well as lodging. Money will also go toward research, treatment, counseling and other services.
Sterns understands that she will lose her fight.
“I will never get to watch my daughter grow up,” Sterns said. “I hope people understand the devastation that comes with this, but supporting causes like this event leaves behind a legacy. As members of the community we can make a difference. We really can help.”
To register for the event or find out more information, visit relayforlife.org/usuut.
Rebecca Eisenhower, Eric Jungblut, Trevor Anderson, Ryan Neeley, Marisa Nielsen, Trey Williams, Nicole Murray, Bailey Nielsen contributed to this report.
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