The June 7 Relay for Life event to raise awareness and fund research for cancer is just three months away, and a Falcon survivor is sharing her story to encourage community participation and help others facing the same challenges.Raising money for cancer research is a cause close to Daria Wilberís heart. As a survivor of laryngeal cancer, Wilber is a spokeswoman for the event. The American Cancer Society contacted her and asked her to participate in the event as a cancer survivor, Wilber said.She jumped at the chance to provide information, hope and encouragement to others facing cancer and to let them know they are not alone. ìThe American Cancer Society has tons of resources and people,î Wilbur said. ìTheir website is so easy to navigate, it is a great spot for people to get information, whether they have cancer or are a caregiver of someone that does.î Wilber said she had never been a smoker and didnít have many symptoms, except it eventually became hard to speak above a whisper. After initially being diagnosed with severe asthma, she saw an ear, nose and throat doctor. After the doctor used a scope to look at her throat, he found that the asthma had been misdiagnosed. She had throat cancer.Wilber immediately began treatment and had a laryngectomy. With no family history of throat cancer, her diagnosis came as a surprise, she said. Since then, her brother has also had throat cancer. Both are in recovery, and Wilber has been clean of cancer for the last six years.Educating people about cancer issues is important to Wilber, and it drives her to join events such as Relay for Life. ìI really want to make sure people are aware that cancer affects any part of the body,î she said. ìYou know your body ñ go to the doctor if you just feel something isnít right. And get a second opinion if you feel you are not getting correct information.îRelay for Life is a great way for the community to get together and support people and families struggling with cancer. ìI would like survivors and caregivers to feel welcome to come to this event,î Wilber said. ìI want them to feel a part of it, because without survivors, where would we be? Survivors provide so much hope to people newly diagnosed.îFor more information about Relay for Life, to donate money or to register a team for the June 7 event at Sand Creek High School, visit falconpeytonrelay.org.Visit http://cancer.org for more information about cancer.
