Why I Relay: Lindsey Coyle

Around 22 years ago, that chubby little face on the right was diagnosed with Burkitt's syndrome, a type of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  That little boy is my older brother, Ryan Joseph Coyle, and he was only 2 years old when my parents found a tumor on his neck about the size of a baseball.  Burkitt's lymphoma comes in 3 major types- one of which is common in Africa, and one of which is common in AIDS patients, so my brother was also tested for HIV.  My brother's diagnosis was a VERY rare case: there are only about 300 cases each year, most cases arise in boys age 4-20, and most tumors are abdominal.  At the same time all of this was going on, my mom was also pregnant with me.  Needless to say- it was a pretty scary and hospital-filled time for my family.

Ryan had surgery to remove his tumor, but since Burkitt's lymphoma is a very aggressive cancer, he was also placed on a "maintenance" plan.  This plan included long-term, repeated doses of medicines that would keep the tumor from coming back, but there were unknown side effects for 30+ years.  My parents were concerned about the risk of additional cancers in someone so young, and so Ryan was put in a clinical trial so that he would only need to take the medicine if the cancer came back.  My parent's took a risk with the clinical trial, though- would it be as effective as the other treatment?  Would the tumor return?  


Luckily, the treatment worked, and Ryan has now been in remission for nearly 22 years.  His only post-cancer issues have been a slightly higher susceptibility to sickness due to a missing lymph node.

Without a successful treatment plan, I never would have met my brother.  Organizations like the American Cancer Society help fund research that leads to clinical trials like Ryan's.  

I Relay to celebrate Ryan's life, but I also Relay to keep that funding going, so that other families can be as fortunate as mine.

Why I Relay: Erica Stein

Three years ago today was the day that my Grandma Edie lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. A fighter of a woman, she held her own for multiple months before finally succumbing to one of the deadliest forms of this disease. I still remember the bleak autumn afternoon when I got the phone call from my mom who broke the news to me. The rest of the evening was a blur, I remained quiet and without appetite as I joined my McTyeire friends for dinner at Woodruff Grill. Though she isn’t with me and my family anymore, her spirit without a doubt lives on. She is the reason why I have chosen to dedicate so much of my time, energy, and love to this organization. She is the reason why I Relay.

The first time I participated in Relay For Life was the Spring of 2010, the semester after Edith Blacher passed away. I felt empowered, I camped out all night, I held hands with Kaele as we circled the track during the Luminaria ceremony. But most importantly of all, I was moved. Moved to the point of applying to the Executive Committee the following year. From Recruitment and Retention Co-Chair, to Publicity Co-Chair, and now Event Co-Chair, I have continuously celebrated Grandma Edie’s life, remembered all that she lived for, and fought back for a world with less cancer and more birthdays. If she knew of the amount of time and effort I have volunteered in her honor, she honestly would probably shake her head and “tuts” in disapproval at me. Still the most selfless woman I have ever met, she would most likely insist that she got no recognition whatsoever. Always shining the spotlight on others, her heart was constantly overflowing with care.

I fight back to reduce the 1 in 71 lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer. I fight back so that Stage IA pancreatic cancer patients have a 5-year survival rate greater than 14%. I fight back so researchers can continue searching for new methods to catch this type of cancer earlier.

I fight back for Grandma Edie. For the visits to Richmond that ended too abruptly, for always being one of my biggest soccer fans even in her final days, and on behalf of anyone who had the blessing of being touched by her wonderful soul. Love ya.

Grandpa Gene, myself, and Grandma Edie at my Oakton High School graduation in June 2009.

www.relayforlife.org/emoryga

October Reflection

As Breast Cancer Awareness month has come and gone, I finally has a moment to reflect on the great events and opportunities we had throughout October.

October 21, 2012: Relay U at University of Georgia

Today, members of the board had the chance to venture to Athens, GA for a Relay-filled day of workshops, games, and lectures. Relay U gave us the opportunity to get together with different schools from the region to share our Relay experiences and learn from Relay experts. We attended three workshops: “Get the People,” “Get the Money,” and “Get the Fun,” where we learned a lot of new tips and tricks for recruiting, fundraising, and entertaining. Relay U was especially helpful for me, as a new member of the executive committee. Not only did I learn a lot, but I was truly touched by everyone’s enthusiasm and inspired by their passion.

October 29, 2012: Kickoff!

Today marked our Relay for Life Kickoff. The chilly fall weather matched the Halloween theme perfectly. The crew hit a lot of unforeseen obstacles at the beginning of the event. First, the Executive chairs (both talented goalies for the Emory women’s soccer team) were en route from New York via bus because of Hurricane Sandy and had to miss the event. Second, all of the tables we ordered for the event were not set up. It was 5pm (30 minutes before Kickoff) and we didn’t have any tables! Luckily, by 5:30, we procured enough tables to run the event, pizza for all of the participants, and an unwavering spirit and excitement for Relay. Despite all of the obstacles, we were successful in signing up new teams and participants. We currently have 24 teams, ranging from Emory athletes, to Greek life, and proud Relayers who form teams with their friends.

Throughout the month, we also started planning for November: lung cancer and pancreatic cancer awareness month. Our first big event for the month is Wonderful Wednesday on November 14, 2012 in preparation for the 37^th annual Great American Smokeout on November 15. Get ready, it's going to be big! 

Relay love,

Gabi Whitmer