Relay For Life of Northern DuPage aims to unite nine communities

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel isolating, as if a line suddenly separates you from your cancer-free family and friends.

But an event in the works aims to show cancer fighters, survivors and their supporters the power that lies in their numbers.

The Relay For Life of Northern DuPage on June 9 will bring together nine communities as participants show their support for those fighting cancer, celebrate survivors and remember those the disease has taken while raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Members of relay teams will take turns running and walking throughout the night and into the next morning, with special laps around the track honoring survivors and caregivers.

Proceeds support American Cancer Society initiatives, including services for patients, research, and education, prevention and early detection programs.

Sharyn Norton of Roselle will be among the survivors walking at Lake Park High School's East Campus, 600 Medinah Road, Roselle. A 10-year Relay volunteer, Norton is helping to organize the Northern DuPage event serving Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle and Streamwood.

Volunteers and participants can learn how to get involved at the Relay For Life of Northern DuPage Kick-Off Celebration at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Holiday Inn Express, 1490 W. Lake St., Roselle.

Today, Norton tells us about her cancer journey and why she thinks you should join the Relay For Life.

Sharyn Norton

So many of us have been exposed to the word “cancer” in our lifetime.

Whether it's a family member, friend, co-worker or just a casual acquaintance, we've all heard of someone being diagnosed with cancer. The word “cancer” in itself generates immediate concern. I know, because I have heard the words, “You have cancer.”

I had been experiencing severe upper back pain but resisted seeking medical attention. I dismissed the pain as just an arthritis flare-up that could be cured by taking a couple of Tylenol. I was persuaded by my husband to make an appointment with a physician who ordered an MRI of my spine. Shock would not be a strong enough word to describe my feelings when the test results showed a small mass on my right lung. As a biopsy would later determine, I was diagnosed with lung cancer.

How could this be happening to me, someone who never smoked, ate mostly organic food and took generally good care of their health? I soon learned a common misconception that only smokers get lung cancer.

In fact, as many as 20 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are nonsmokers. I underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy.

I had my “why me days” and “why not me days,” but I came to the conclusion that I would not let the resentment I felt for cancer consume me. Instead, I would use these feelings and become a worthy opponent to take up the battle against cancer.

During this time, I attended my first Relay For Life event — mostly out of curiosity. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be an inspirational event combining family activities while paying tribute to those lost to cancer and celebrating those who are cancer survivors.

It was not just a fundraiser, but a true gathering of hope. It was a reflective experience, as everyone has their own reasons they walk in a Relay For Life event. As for me, I walked for the many loved ones and friends I have lost to cancer.

My first American Cancer Society Relay For Life was in 2007. I am now proud to call myself a cancer survivor and a 10-year volunteer for Relay For Life.

Through my work as a volunteer, I have learned the valuable services provided by the American Cancer Society — services such as free wigs for cancer patients, “Road to Recovery” rides to chemotherapy, cancer research, prevention education, early detection programs and support programs for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Relay For Life made a difference in my life, and I know it will in yours, too.

To learn more about Relay For Life, please join us for the Relay For Life of Northern DuPage Kick-Off Celebration.

If you go

What: Relay For Life of Northern DuPage Kick-Off Celebration

Why: Relay For Life supports the American Cancer Society

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1

Where: Holiday Inn Express, 1490 W. Lake St., Roselle

RSVP: (630) 893-6647 or mobysmom2k1@yahoo.com

Info: relayforlife.org/northerndupageil