Thanks for keeping me alive

Recently, Frontiersman Managing Editor Heather Resz wrote an article headlined “Volunteers needed to lead ‘Relay For Life.’” It was an excellent article, interviewing the Mat-Su Valley’s new American Cancer Society Relay specialist, Kinsey Jacobs. I chuckled when Kinsey was quoted that she “is willing to take on anyone willing to donate an hour, a weekend or a month.” It reminded me of the quote my dad used to quip often: “Many hands make light work.”

And if you have met Kinsey, you know she’s serious!

I have been so grateful that others picked up the torch since I stopped writing monthly Frontiersman articles relating to various aspects of cancer in our community more than a year ago. Community members have written articles about their friends struggling with their battles with cancer. Some articles have highlighted fundraisers for our neighbors, their families and caregivers in need, due to the exorbitant cost of fighting this monster. Other articles have been written in celebration of lives lived. And unfortunately, way too many articles have appeared about our friends and loved ones who lost their valiant battles. But the focus of the disease, one that we can do something about, continues to be written about in the Frontiersman.

I am one of the community volunteers who has stepped down after 10 years on the Relay For Life committee. Ironically, I’m still “officially” an ad hoc member of the committee — by virtue of being named one of Alaska’s Heroes of Hope for the Great West Division (12 states) for the American Cancer Society.

For now, I am now a “mentor” for the fresh new faces who step up to the plate, even though I am still in the fight with my most recent cancer battle. I can’t wait to see the new faces that will keep fighting to keep me alive; new faces and businesses that will step up so that not one more Mat-Su person has to hear the words “you have cancer.”

It dawned on me recently when I spoke to Kinsey that, in reality, the Mat-Su community does Relay For Life for me. Sounds pretty selfish, doesn’t it? But it is true. You are the ones who step up to give me rides to medical appointments that I can’t drive to. You are the ones who raised funds to help me pay for needed supplies as I fight. You formed teams; you have been willing to give an hour a month for a committee or team meeting; you and your incredible businesses have sponsored teams and given donations; and Mat-Su, you came, knowing cancer never sleeps for an overnight event to remember, celebrate and fight back!

You have raised funds over the years that have gone to research — so that I can be living (four years so far!) with the same cancer that my mother died from when I was just 16. I have lived 12 years longer than she did. And I can plan a lot more, because of you, Mat-Su! Wahoo!

Somehow, I just know — don’t ask me how — but Mat-Su will step up to the plate and show its support for this fundraiser. You will pick up the torch so former committee members can participate in different ways at Relay For Life and come to the informational meeting from 6 to 7 p.m., Nov. 7 at Snodgrass Hall, Room 103 at Mat-Su College. And, if you can’t be there, would you at least call Kinsey Jacobs and give her a Mat-Su welcome at (907) 273-2072 or email her at kinsey.jacobs@cancer.org?

Cancer is Alaska’s No. 1 killer. At the current rate, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the Mat-Su will be affected by cancer in their lifetimes. I hope you agree with me in saying Relay For Life is one event our community we can’t afford to see cancelled. See you Nov. 7.

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