Not sure what to tell people when they ask you why you relay, or what Relay For Life even is? Zoe Hardy shares her story with us of what the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life have meant to her throughout the years…
My name is Zoë Hardy and I am a third year majoring in American Studies. This year I am participating in my 10th Relay. Every year I enjoy getting more involved by taking on greater responsibilities and commitments. The last two years of high school I was the Youth Chair on the Executive Planning Committee for Relay of Virginia Beach and when I came to UVa I joined the Executive Committee and was selected to be the Logistics Chair.
Relay was the first activity I became involved in when I got to UVA, I could probably wear a different Relay shirt every day for a month without having to do laundry (you think I am kidding but I am not) and I just really love the spirit and community that comes out of participating in Relay For Life.
Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society are truly remarkable organizations. Since its inception in 1913, the American Cancer Society has been working to save lives through research, education, advocacy, and service. 40 years ago, people smoked in elevators, at work, and even in doctors’ offices—today we hear this and think that it is crazy, but it would have never changed if it were not for the aggressive initiatives sponsored by the American Cancer Society informing people of the risks associated with smoking.
Besides all of the great work the American Cancer Society has done over the years, I was also motivated to join Relay on a personal level. When I was younger my family and I would always go skiing up in Vermont with my dad’s Uncle Pat and his family around Valentine’s Day. We would ski all day and then come back to the timeshare and have dinner and play games, go in the hot tub. One year; however, we could no longer go skiing with my Uncle Pat because he had passed away from cancer. I was only in elementary school when this happened, but I truly miss him and wish that cancer had not taken him away.
Just last year my Grandpa Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctors said that the cancer did not look good. Fortunately, because of the work being done by the American Cancer Society there was a clinical trial being performed at Duke that he qualified for and was able to participate. He has been responding well to the medicine and is currently fighting a courageous battle with this awful disease. I wish I could say that these are the only people in my life that have been affected by cancer, but there are many more, including family friends and fellow Relayers.
I Relay because I want to see an end to cancer. I Relay to help raise money for important services and programs that support cancer patients and their families every step of the way. I Relay because cancer has affected people in my life whom I love. I Relay to raise money for more clinical trials and programs to help patients while fighting cancer. I Relay to remember those that have lost their battle with cancer. I Relay For Life.
My name is Zoë Hardy and I am a third year majoring in American Studies. This year I am participating in my 10th Relay. Every year I enjoy getting more involved by taking on greater responsibilities and commitments. The last two years of high school I was the Youth Chair on the Executive Planning Committee for Relay of Virginia Beach and when I came to UVa I joined the Executive Committee and was selected to be the Logistics Chair.
Relay was the first activity I became involved in when I got to UVA, I could probably wear a different Relay shirt every day for a month without having to do laundry (you think I am kidding but I am not) and I just really love the spirit and community that comes out of participating in Relay For Life.
Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society are truly remarkable organizations. Since its inception in 1913, the American Cancer Society has been working to save lives through research, education, advocacy, and service. 40 years ago, people smoked in elevators, at work, and even in doctors’ offices—today we hear this and think that it is crazy, but it would have never changed if it were not for the aggressive initiatives sponsored by the American Cancer Society informing people of the risks associated with smoking.
Besides all of the great work the American Cancer Society has done over the years, I was also motivated to join Relay on a personal level. When I was younger my family and I would always go skiing up in Vermont with my dad’s Uncle Pat and his family around Valentine’s Day. We would ski all day and then come back to the timeshare and have dinner and play games, go in the hot tub. One year; however, we could no longer go skiing with my Uncle Pat because he had passed away from cancer. I was only in elementary school when this happened, but I truly miss him and wish that cancer had not taken him away.
Just last year my Grandpa Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctors said that the cancer did not look good. Fortunately, because of the work being done by the American Cancer Society there was a clinical trial being performed at Duke that he qualified for and was able to participate. He has been responding well to the medicine and is currently fighting a courageous battle with this awful disease. I wish I could say that these are the only people in my life that have been affected by cancer, but there are many more, including family friends and fellow Relayers.
I Relay because I want to see an end to cancer. I Relay to help raise money for important services and programs that support cancer patients and their families every step of the way. I Relay because cancer has affected people in my life whom I love. I Relay to raise money for more clinical trials and programs to help patients while fighting cancer. I Relay to remember those that have lost their battle with cancer. I Relay For Life.
