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By Leon G. Russ
HOMETOWN NEWS
Cancer shows no favoritism. Young or old, rich or poor, black, white, brown, yellow or red, every American is susceptible to the disease.
Because of that fact Dorman High School once again played host to the largest American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in South Carolina on Friday night May 22.
According to the American Cancer Society’s M.J. Wardle, the number of persons at the event fell just short of 2,100. She explained there were 500 cancer survivors participating in the march around the track.
Another significant number was the fact that Spartanburg School Districts Three, Five and Six had 100% participation in the event.
Other’s participating in the event included families, churches and businesses accounting for the 97 teams on hand.
Dr. James D. Bearden III of Spartanburg Regional Health System has been treating cancer patients for the last 33 years. He explained that he and his family try to make it out to the event each year.
He stated he also tries to get out to events in Union and Woodruff because of Regional’s satellite networks there.
On this day he was out with his son, Jim and his grandchildren, both his wife and his son’s wife had to tend to other commitments this day.
Bearden looked around at all the survivors and smiled. He had a lot to smile about noting, “I know several generations (of cancer survivors) these days. They are a courageous crew.”
John Kozak was diagnosed just two weeks ago with bladder cancer while Janet White had breast cancer in 2001 that returned in 2005.
“If I didn’t have her, I don’t know how I could get through it,” Kozak said.
White said they were out to show support and help raise money. “Hopefully they’ll keep raising money and be able to find a cure.”
Kozak noted the Relay for Life is a good event to bring your husband or boyfriend to because so many men let little aches and pains go. He said, “Go to an event. Ask some of the people ‘what are the signs? How did it affect you? What do I need to look out for?’ Because,” he said, “if I describe what happened to me years ago I could have caught it at an earlier stage instead of stage four.”
He did allow that what probably what held him back was what stops many Americans from seeking medical attention. “My biggest thing was I just didn’t have the money to go see a doctor, to get a check-up.”
While both Kozak and White are battling against cancer they may have been the most jovial people at the event. Kozak said, “We laugh and joke constantly, gut - busting laughter. I’m telling you, it really is the best medicine.”
Eileen and Guido Migiano were found relaxing under a tent following their survivor’s walk around the track.
Eileen had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and Guido followed with a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2007.
Both were lucky because they visited their doctors regularly and had exams done consistently. It was during a routine exam that Eileen’s cancer was discovered.
Guido was even more fortunate as he had a PSA test to check for prostate cancer done twice a year. “It was a good thing I did,” he said, “because it just popped up.”
During a PSA test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm, and the level of PSA is measured.
Eileen volunteered they were at the event to “give and get support.”
Guido noted, “We are doing ok so it’s a way to let others know you can go on with life.”
As he surveyed the thousands of others walking around the track’s infield enjoying a beautiful early summer Southern evening he smiled and said, “It’s emotional, but it gives you hope.”
lruss@hometown-news.com
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