Relay for Life is a community-driven event which raises funds for cancer research and awareness. Among the committee members is cancer survivor, Alison O’Grady, who sits on the Relay for Life of Clearwater committee as the Survivor/Caregiver Chairwoman. “I Relay because I want to find an end to cancer!” says Alison. “Cancer changed my life!”
Seven years ago, Alison was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer with lymph node involvement. Two months prior to her diagnosis she had a mammogram that was “normal”. A five cm tumor was found under the mammary gland. Because of the size of the tumor, it was difficult to find until it had grown. After three surgeries to remove all traces of cancer, a bi-lateral mastectomy was performed. Both breasts and 12 lymph nodes were removed. Now, after a five year battle with cancer, Alison is cancer-free.
Alison is an advocate of early detection. She advocates Cancer Screening, annual Mammograms. She also recommends anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer to call the American Cancer Society. O’Grady loves their Feel Good, Look Better Program and their Reach To Recovery Program.
Alison is a mother of three, and a grandmother of one. “Being a survivor has made me appreciate so many of the things that I could have missed. Especially being there when my first grandchild was born,” says Alison. Alison is an entrepreneur who spends the bulk of her time at her own business, Sew Bee It Clothier, where she is a Master Seamstress.
Alison drives a one-of-a-kind pink Ford Fusion with a custom rear bumper that reads, “Get checked. Get informed. It could save your life. It saved mine!” to raise awareness for the importance of cancer screening.
Relay for Life will honor cancer survivors through a Survivor’s Dinner provided by Crabby Bill’s and a survivor’s lap. Relay for Life will take place in Coachman Park May 13th – 14th.
For more information on Relay for Life of Clearwater, visit www.realyforlife.org/clearwaterfl.
About Relay For Life:
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, and is driven by volunteers. Relay for Life began in 1985 when colorectal surgeon Dr. Gordon Klatt decided to raise money for the American Cancer Society in honor of his patients by walking around a track in a 24 hour period. Today, Relay For Life events are held in more than 5,000 communities spanning 21 countries and have raised an estimated over $3 billion. All proceeds go to funding cancer research with the aims of stomping out the disease.
In addition to fundraising, the event also raises awareness of the disease and furthers the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, helping them get well, and by finding cures and fighting back.
More information on Relay for Life is available at www.relayforlife.org.
About the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, and advocacy.
The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion to date. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have cancer will be celebrating their next birthday.
To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org.
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