‘Relay for Life’ begins tonight

T is for TODAY — Today marks the start of the Mat-Su’s 15th annual Relay For Life. It will be held at Palmer High School. Yes, another venue change due to so many wonderful things to do in the Mat-Su this weekend! It will go from 7 p.m., today through noon, Saturday. Remember, it is an overnight event as cancer never sleeps!

T is for TIME — I hope that anyone who has heard the words “You have cancer” will take time, especially to kick-off Relay with the opening ceremonies and honor Mat-Su’s cancer Survivors and their Caregivers. (Survivor is from day one, whether you had treatment or not! Come and go, come, go and come back, come and stay!!

T is for TRANSITION — The entire American Cancer Society, as an organization has begun a huge transition this year. It has meant new staff and new ways of doing various activities.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is Relay For Life — the time to raise funds, where 40 cents of every dollar goes to research (we now have 47 Nobel Laureates!) and the rest stays for local programs, housing/transportation/lodging, wellness, prevention, care and aftercare programs for cancer patients and their loved ones (aka: you) Let’s keep ACS the second largest funder for cancer, second only to the U.S. government!

T is for TIRED — I am so tired of reciting locally, statewide, and even as I travel nationally, that Alaska is the only state where cancer is the No. 1 killer. Heart disease/obesity are close behind. But we can do something about that. Giving up a latte or a pizza or a movie — that little bit, could help change Alaska’s No. 1 ranking. Yes, I know Alaskans are known for standing out, but I think we can all agree that on this statistic we don’t want to be No. 1.

T is for TENACIOUS — Alaskans are known for their tenacity, no matter what the circumstance. Every person who reads this knows someone who has/had cancer. And, when you look to your left, then to your right, one of you will be affected by cancer in your lifetime. (Right now the statistic is 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women.) We can change that. Help by going to matsurelay.org and sign up to donate or come participate tonight and through noon tomorrow. Pre-registration is not necessary, but if you cannot make the event, would you please consider giving up what you might spend on that next latte or movie? Who knows? Maybe next year it will be you we are doing Relay For Life to help. (Like for me!)

T is for TORNADO — I just returned from keynote speaking at one of the largest Relay For Life events in the country, in Bismarck, North Dakota. They raised more than $270,000 at their Relay. Their population is around 80,000 — that’s fewer people than in the Mat-Su Valley! I met with their governor, Governor Jack Darymple, who sends his greetings to each of us in the Mat-Su. They kept me on a “tornado” of a schedule, from the Governor/his staff (by the way, he loved the local smoked salmon I gave him!) to the regional cancer center that had the first Infinity laser radiation machine (those who have gone through radiation will know what I am talking about), to keynoting and encouraging over 500 survivor’s at a function, plus TV, radio and newspaper interviews; I then keynoted their Relay For Life opening ceremonies and led (in a four-wheeler — how appropriate for an Alaskan, and especially because I am still in a boot cast/walker from cancer after effect surgery a month ago!) I ended my trip under tornado warnings and thunder/lightening all around me; talk about terrified!!

T is for THANKFUL — I am so thankful I can claim being from the Mat-Su. The people are the most thoughtful, tireless, tenderhearted, talented, team-working, and yes, tenacious people who live together in the best place in the world.

T is for TONIGHT — Please join us as we remember, celebrate and fight back to finish the fight against cancer. Palmer High School, where parking attendants will help you and shuttles available when we run out of parking! Come walk the track for an hour or anytime overnight. Light a midnight candle Luminaria and walk a lap in honor or memory of a loved one, a friend, or co-worker who has, or may have lost their battle with cancer.

Fitting wasn’t it, that as I arrived home from my “tornado” of a trip to North Dakota, surrounded by literal tornadoes, that when I arrived in the Mat-Su, a brilliant rainbow welcomed me home as it covered the Mat-Su Valley.

I hope I see you at the track, and as this year’s theme states: Let’s finish the fight!

Care Tuk is an 11-time cancer patient and advocate for cancer survivors and caregivers.