Dear Editor:
In last week’s paper, one of the stories about the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life stated that I myself have been struck with cancer.
While it’s true that many in my family have been struck by cancer, are fighting cancer and have lost to cancer, as stated in my speech at the luminary ceremony, my speech’s last paragraph was misunderstood by the Independent’s reporter. For the record, this is what I said:
“… as I am equally as humbled and inspired, as I look out to all of you tonight. All of you survivors that have joined us here tonight, all of you participants that have chosen to fight against this thing we call cancer, and all of you — the volunteers lighting our way to hope.
“It is because of this relay that I wanted to face my fear and I recently went to my doctor and made my appointment — I will go for a colonscopy to start my lifelong screening for colon cancer. I stand up here tonight and end with fighting this thing we call cancer.
“Why do I relay … for all of you!”
One of the biggest ways we can all take care of ourselves is to go for regular checkups and go for your screenings, if you have a cancer that is prevalent in your family history.
I hope that this clears up any confusion caused by that story and we can again focus on those that are in need of our support and strength to stand up and fight against cancer.
Wendy Staal,
Stettler