Relay for Life is not just about raising money for cancer research, the American Cancer Society also provides support and programs for cancer patients and caregivers. Kari Brindley is a two-time cancer survivor, and is heading up the entertainment portion for the Falcon/Peyton Relay for Life event taking place June 7. Diagnosed at age 17 with Hodgkinís disease, Brindley said when cancer hit her the second time, she knew what to look for; and, more importantly, to pay attention to the signals her body was sending her. Although the primary doctor ran numerous tests when Brindley complained of fatigue, the results showed nothing. Being in tune with her body, Brindley kept pushing for more tests ñ eventually, the tests revealed chronic lymphoma.She said she is currently in remission, but since it is chronic the cancer could resurface at any time. ìI have a lifetime of maintenance and listening to my body for clues,î Brindley said. ìYou are your own best advocate for your body. Listen to your body ñ out of respect for yourself, as well as for your family and the people that care about you. Get second opinions; time and early detection are very important.îBrindley credits the ACS as well as the Lymphoma Society with helping her and her family through her second diagnosis. ìKids see cancer, and they donít know how to get involved; my youngest child had a very hard time,î she said. ìHe was in counseling for awhile because he thought his mom was going to die.îThe ACS offers support programs to help family and caregivers understand and cope with a loved oneís diagnosis, besides helping the cancer victims. Programs for those diagnosed with cancer include ìRoad to Recovery,î which arranges transportation to and from doctorsí appointments for those who need them. ìLook Good … Feel Better for Menî provides grooming tips and simple ways men can maintain a positive image of themselves while undergoing treatment. The female counterpart to the ìLook Goodî program provides tips about wigs and makeup.Brindley cited statistics on how the programs have helped residents of El Paso County. ìThe ACS provided 156 wigs, gave away 303 hats or scarves, provided fuel, assisted in lodging for people that have to travel long distances for their treatment, as well as connected cancer patients with other survivors,î she said. ìItís really about people helping people.îItís not too late to get involved in Relay for Life. Brindley said itís a fun event for families and a way to join in with the community and celebrate the quest for a cure for cancer. Each relay team will have a booth set up along the track of Sand Creek High School, and teams can camp all night along the track. Other entertainment includes carnival type games, a bounce house and a dunk tank. ìThe whole idea is to help people, be family friendly, and just participate in a fun activity,î Brindley said. For more information or to donate or form a team, visit http://Falconpeytonrelay.org.For more information about the various programs offered by the ACS, visit http://cancer.org.
