When my granddaughter told me that the cancer rate statistic for developing some form of the disease was ‘one in three’ I could hardly believe it. But she was well informed having just been named as chairperson of her university’s annual Relay For Life event.
The American Cancer Society website says that in the United States, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is higher in men (1 in 2) than for women (1 in 3). The website also says, in 2015, about 590,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer, the second most common cause of death in the country.
But there is hope. Cancer treatments are improving, and humanity has never been more committed on every level to produce good results for those who walk this difficult path.
Speaking of walks, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events are the world’s largest fundraising activity. The money is used to support those entrenched in the daily management of the disease, as well as to provide funding for ongoing research. And the residents of Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester can be counted on every year to do their part, too.
Margaret DeMello of Mattapoisett, a member of the Massachusetts chapter of the society, recently described a new awareness campaign taking place in the Tri-Town area.
“Starting May 23, ‘Paint the Town Purple’ – a ribbon and exterior decoration activity – is planned to raise awareness in support of the American Cancer Society’s goal to find a cure,” said DeMello. She continued, “The project runs from May 23 through June 14.”
DeMello, who last year walked as part of a team during the relay in spite of recovering from knee surgery, also said, “The idea is to encourage homeowners and local businesses to decorate their property with purple-colored bows or lights to paint the town purple.”
The Mattapoisett Town Hall has a basket full of purple bows for residents who wish to pick one up (for free) and expand awareness in their neighborhoods.
The decorations will display the local commitment to the cause and the event itself, the annual Relay For Life being held at ORRHS on June 13 and ending at 8:00 am on June 14.
“It’s a chance to walk in memory of a loved one, someone currently in the fight, or a survivor,” DeMello said.
Presently there are 13 teams each with unique names like “Sole Survivors,” “Ray of Hope,” or “Linda’s Angels” who have already raised $17,000 in donations.
Although at times the steps people take in this effort may seem as small as baby steps, staying on the path at any speed are steps in the right direction.
For more information about the Tri-Town Relay For Life, contact Margaret DeMello at 508-758-2741 or visit www.cancer.org for the website of the American Cancer Society.
By Marilou Newell
