Cancer survivors cut ribbon for relay

MURRAY WILSON

THEN AND NOW: Cancer survivor Catherine Ford is used to being in the paper as her clippings file shows. Miss Ford will be cutting the ribbon to start this year's Relay for Life

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Relay for Life's tenth birthday is here and it is all about raising money for the Cancer Society.

Two people who understand the trials of cancer will cut the ribbon and start the relay at the Massey University College of Education grounds today.

Catherine Ford was diagnosed with leukaemia on April 21, 1990, after a bone marrow biopsy revealed her condition. She was 4 1/2 years old.

Now 24, she has a few health problems that relate to her illness but with her bubbly personality she refuses to live a life under the shadow of cancer. "I don't let it affect my life. I just get on with it."

Although she was young at the time she clearly remembers the thick needles and injections she got when she was exposed to the measles virus at school.

Miss Ford will be one of the ribbon cutters at this year's event and was chosen for the task because of her involvement with CanTeen and the relay for the 10 years it has been running. "I was part of CanTeen the first year at Relay for Life and I've been every year since, except one."

The other ribbon cutter this year is Sister Barbara Cowan of the Sisters of St Joseph.

Sister Cowan had a leg amputated 10 years ago after repeat surgeries could not stop the spread of malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

"It was a difficult option to face.

"I was told that there was nothing else they could do for me other than make me comfortable if I didn't have the surgery, and that I probably would only have five years left."

Sister Cowan chose to fight and considers herself extremely fortunate. "The candlelight ceremony at the relay is very moving.

"I think of the people who haven't been as fortunate as me, and it touches me very deeply."

Sister Cowan will, as always, have her friend Sister Kristine Keane with her for the survivors' lap that always begins the Relay for Life.

"Kristine has been with me every year and pushes my wheelchair for me during the survivors' lap. She has been a wonderful support person for me."

Support is a word that both these women use often and Miss Ford has one piece of advice for anyone who is undergoing cancer treatment.

"Hang in there, cancer isn't always a death sentence. I'm here, I made it so there is hope."

The Palmerston North relay for Life runs from 12pm today until 12pm tomorrow at the Massey University College of Education grounds off Centennial Drive.

- © Fairfax NZ News