In memory of my dad, who had passed away from non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I attended my first Relay in 1997.  My sister and I wanted to remember and honor our hero, the best dad in the world.  Then on July 31, 1998, I went for my routine biennial mammogram. As a Registered Nurse, I knew there was something different as the technician took more views than normal.  The radiologist recommended a six month follow-up mammogram.  At that point I became my own advocate.  After several surgeries including a new surgery to detect certain lymph nodes, I heard those words “you have cancer”.  Because of the location of my tumor, I received an experimental radiation therapy, followed by 5 years of Tamoxifen.  Relaying as a survivor gave me a different vision and the support system that I needed.

In 2004, my sister Linda was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.  At that time, I was asked to participate in a study at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA for a new breast cancer drug.  Linda sadly lost her battle 2 ½ years after her diagnosis.  I continued in the study.  I am proud to say, today it is a recommended breast cancer drug treatment.

My story constantly changes with family and friends diagnoses.  My sister’s daughter was diagnosed with B cell lymphoma right when Covid started.  The tests and treatments that Heidi went through were all because of stem cell transplant research.  After the transplant and 2 years of cancer immunotherapy, her PET scans have shown she is cancer free.

The word HOPE is truly not just a word in my life ….. it is my way of life.  I use my voice to advocate and to share my story as a survivor and a caregiver.  My name is Marcia Sharkey.  I live in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  I am a mom to 2 beautiful girls and a “Mimi” to 3 wonderful grandchildren.  My grands are my world.  They are why I continue to Relay.