Jon and Renee were my neighbors.  They asked for help with decorations for an event called Relay For Life.  Jon was a survivor and was being celebrated by our community at this thing called Relay For Life – how could I say no to that.  The stadium field was packed with campsites and teams, you could just feel the excitement as the survivors lined up to walk their Victory lap.

There was Jon, amongst the sea of purple shirted survivors.  The community lined the track and cheered and clapped with all their might as the survivors walked past them.  I could see each of them walk a little taller, become a little stronger from the love and support of  their community.  I was so proud to be part of this!  I felt like I was making a difference.  Little did I know that the next year I would be walking hand in hand with Jon.  Yes, I heard the words “you have cancer.”  I am a  papillary thyroid cancer survivor.  I walked a little taller that day with the other survivors.

It was 1997.  I remember my first lap like it was yesterday.  I was 38 years young, did all the right things – ate the right foods, exercised, and didn’t smoke, yet I still heard those three dreadful words – “you have cancer”.   I knew nothing about cancer and nothing about the American Cancer Society and all the support they provide.  That is the day I made it my mission to spread the word about the American Cancer Society – from free patient services, trial programs, research, and one on one support to free lodging at a Hope Lodge.  As  a Voice of Hope, I will share my story with whomever will give me the time.  Every survivor and caregiver should know about the Relay For Life community and how it helps you deal with fighting cancer. When you join a Relay For Life, you gain a new family.

My name is Shelly Miller.  I live in Las Vegas, Nevada with my husband, Rick.   I am a survivor, and I am Relayer For Life and I will continue this fight to end cancer!