by: Savanna Rayner, Communications Representative, Great Lakes Division
While I was in college at Grand Valley State University, I got involved with their very active chapter of Colleges Against Cancer. I had heard of Relay For Life before and been to an event briefly, but I didn’t know a whole lot about it. I jumped right in and fell in love with both Relay and Colleges Against Cancer. It was so exciting to be involved with a group of young people who were so passionate about fighting back against cancer! I applied and was accepted onto my division’s collegiate training team and having the opportunity to meet and network with other college students from around the country who were also so dedicated to this cause was amazing.
As my graduation date neared, I began applying for jobs with the American Cancer Society. The thought that I could make a career out of doing something that I enjoy, love, and had devoted so much volunteer time to sounded like a dream come true. On the same weekend that I found out I was offered a position with the American Cancer Society, my husband proposed to me. It was unbelievable timing- the first time I had ever met the man who became my husband was at the Relay For Life event at our college, so Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society held a special place in both of our hearts. On our wedding day, we chose to make our first charitable donation as a couple to the American Cancer Society. Not only had we both lost loved ones to this awful disease, but we might not have ever met and fallen in love if it weren’t for Relay.
My husband lost two of his grandparents to
cancer before he was even born
.
My grandpa lost his battle with colon cancer.
My grandma is a breast cancer survivor.
My aunt is a breast cancer survivor.
My great aunt is a 14-year lung cancer survivor with just one lung.
My dad has followed the screening guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society with strict vigilance and has been able to have pre-cancerous colon cancer cells removed before they became a problem.
My mom has never had cancer, but her sister has, so my mom decided to join the Sister Study- a research study following women who have never been diagnosed with cancer, but who have sisters who have. She heard about this study through the American Cancer Society.
My little sister has now gotten involved with the Colleges Against Cancer chapter at her school.
This summer, I took my new baby son to his first Relay. At only a few months old he doesn’t understand all of the special meaning that Relay and the American Cancer Society has to our family, but he will.
Being able to share the amazing work that the American Cancer Society does is fulfilling work on its own, but I really enjoy working with the volunteers. They are energetic, passionate, and hard-working- I’ve been in their shoes and I know how much of their heart and soul they put into their work with us! Being a part of the American Cancer Society as both a volunteer and a staff member has been an integral part of my life, and I am inspired on a daily basis by the volunteers and other staff that I work with. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work with an organization that is so fulfilling both personally and professionally!
.
My grandpa lost his battle with colon cancer.
My grandma is a breast cancer survivor.
My aunt is a breast cancer survivor.
My great aunt is a 14-year lung cancer survivor with just one lung.
My dad has followed the screening guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society with strict vigilance and has been able to have pre-cancerous colon cancer cells removed before they became a problem.
My mom has never had cancer, but her sister has, so my mom decided to join the Sister Study- a research study following women who have never been diagnosed with cancer, but who have sisters who have. She heard about this study through the American Cancer Society.
My little sister has now gotten involved with the Colleges Against Cancer chapter at her school.
This summer, I took my new baby son to his first Relay. At only a few months old he doesn’t understand all of the special meaning that Relay and the American Cancer Society has to our family, but he will.
Being able to share the amazing work that the American Cancer Society does is fulfilling work on its own, but I really enjoy working with the volunteers. They are energetic, passionate, and hard-working- I’ve been in their shoes and I know how much of their heart and soul they put into their work with us! Being a part of the American Cancer Society as both a volunteer and a staff member has been an integral part of my life, and I am inspired on a daily basis by the volunteers and other staff that I work with. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work with an organization that is so fulfilling both personally and professionally! 
