Relay of Life - American Cancer Society

Today, thousands of people are walking in the 'relay for life'. Many of these people are survivors of cancer. It's a very emotional day for me as, on one hand I have my mother who lost her battle for cancer at 56, but on the other I have my wife who has survived two bouts of breast cancer.

I just want to thank all the men and women who are walking, running, jogging or crawling in this event, and all those that are supporting this event.

It's a wonderful and selfless thing you are doing!

To the survivors: You are an inspiration to me; your strength and courage in the most extreme of circumstances shows that we all can do anything if we put our minds to it.

Thank you.

I make no apologies for this being a rather boring and non-descript Lens - this isn't about scoring points, but it's about making a difference.

Many people are affected by cancer every day of their life, and there simply is no cure yet. I hope to see a cure in my lifetime - while it's too late for some, it's not too late for all.

This Lens details my own personal experiences.

I moved to America in June 1997. My mother, who had supported me all her life and was my biggest 'fan' remained in Wales, however, my fiancé (now wife) and I decided immediately that we would invite her out to live with us.

So in December 1997 mom came out for a visit and decided to stay permanently. For a few months everything was great, however she started to get severe back pain.
After a multitude of tests it turned out that she had tumors in her bones - this is a very painful, and unfortunately incurable form of cancer.

She went for treatment - radiation therapy - and was in hospital for a long time - in a hospital that was 50 miles from our house. She was amazing - she taught my family and I to live - she tackled her problems with amazing courage and grace.

I was lucky that I wasn't approved to work within the US yet, so when she finally came home to do I was able to be with her every day and look after her - it was a gift I will never forget.

She died in July 1998 - only a few short months after moving in with us. My wife and daughter's only met her for a few short months, but her strong and wonderful character remains forever in our hearts.

Several years after my mother passed away, my wife went for an annual mammogram. Something showed up and we were referred to a specialist. She had 'stage 0' breast cancer - fortunately this is curable and isn't a major problem - however, it was very daunting and frightening for us, especially after what had happened to my mother. She went through surgery to remove a small lump.

A year later, at another annual mammogram there were signs of cancer within her other breast - again she went though surgery, but this time also went through radiation treatment. Again this was a very stressful time.

Four years later she is cancer free - but it always remains as a shadow at the back of her mind - if the cancer returns, there is no option but to remove the breast - you can't have treatment more than once.

I love her more than life, and it wouldn't matter to me what she looked like - her beauty is inner-beauty as well as outer beauty. Suffice to say that I will always be there for her.

No - don't worry - this is a happy part of the story.

My daughter is just turning eighteen- and you'd think she'd be engrossed in boyfriends, looking for college and starting her own life.

I am proud to say, that while this is part of her life, she is also very family oriented - this is why she decided to join 'relay for life'.

If you like you can contribute to the cancer society via her link below:

relay for life

alternatively please visit the main cancer society webpage:

American Cancer Society

Even if you don't donate, please visit - awareness is key to improving our future.