Over 1.6 million new cases and over 500,000 deaths are expected to occur in 2016 as a result of cancer. Able to occur anywhere in the body where reproducing cells are found (so everything except hair, nails and teeth), no disease is as well-known and feared as cancer. Front and center in the fight against cancer, and the race to find a cure, The American Cancer Society (ACS) holds Relay for Life events across over 20 countries and raises over $400 million each year to benefit cancer patients and research. As serious pandemic as cancer is, it is no wonder Relay for Life is the largest health-related volunteer organization in the United States with over 2.5 million dedicated volunteers.

Although the race for a cure has been going on for a long time and people continue to be afflicted by the horrible disease, the ACS has helped save the lives of millions over the past 102 years. When I was younger, Relay events were simply a fun time to be with friends and family and stay up all night. The games, music and lively atmosphere made the events seem more like a simple celebration than an endeavor to rid the world of cancer. Now, after several years of being on teams and committees, I have a better understanding of what Relay is all about and what it is that makes me want to contribute.

Though Relay for Life is a serious event, it is also a celebration; a celebration for those who have fought and broke free from the seemingly inescapable clutches of cancer; a celebration for those who continue the struggle; a celebration of the hope that one day, cancer will finally be defeated once and for all. Of course, Relay is also a time to remember all those who lost their lives to cancer. With each "In memory" luminaria, my passion for Relay grows, and my drive to help find a cure, however possible, is rekindled.

You can ask anyone involved with Relay for Life, and you will find that somehow, cancer has affected everyone. Mom. Dad. Aunt. Uncle. Cousin. Grandfather. Grandmother. Son. Daughter. Friend. Cancer does not discriminate, and it seems everyone has a story and a reason to Relay.

Cancer settled amidst my family when I was still in middle school and my grandmother (Meme) was afflicted. For several years, she underwent treatments and therapy. A close family, we were ready to do all we could to beat the disease. Despite going through periods where it seemed the treatment had worked and she had been cleansed of cancer, the disease is not easily beaten. I remember watching and feeling helpless as cancer drained the life out of my Meme. Inevitably, her battle against cancer was lost, and ever since then I relay in memory of her.

My grandfather (Pap) remarried, and Nancy was welcomed into our family. While she was no replacement to Meme, we all loved her and were glad Pap had a partner in crime. It felt like the blink of an eye when cancer once again reared its ugly head and Nancy was taken from us. At this point, I was beginning to understand the severity and ubiquity of cancer.

Now, that same Pap is battling against cancer himself. Proliferating from top to bottom, it seemed cancer was going to act quickly yet again. Treatments began and life estimations were made. Surprising us all, Pap has not only lived past previous estimations, he has gained weight while undergoing radiation therapy. It hasn't been easy, but it is amazing how well Pap has kept together through it all. Today he celebrated his 71st birthday. I am sure both Meme and Nancy are looking out for him. Spirits high, and with the love and support of family, I am grateful to still have my Pap here.

Each lap I walk and every minute I spend at Relay or planning for Relay, is done in memory of those who, like Meme and Nancy, lost the battle against cancer, and those who, like Pap, continue to fight. I hope and pray that in my lifetime, I can see the fruit of the ACS's work: a cure to cancer. Until then, I will walk where others cannot and continue supporting the American Cancer Society. I encourage everyone out there, to support as well. Whether time, money, or simply words of encouragement, Relay for Life is a worthy cause, and we need all the help we can get if we want to make "a world with more birthdays."

So find a local event. Volunteer. Sign up. And if you still want more direction, please visit the event website of Misericordia University (www.relayforlife.org/pamisericordia). Though a small, private university, we have been nationally recognized for our work and hope to continue such a legacy until a cure is found.