Every year a group of my friends and I join millions of other people in other states to help raise money and awareness for Cancer. The Organization that we participate in is called the American Cancer society. This organization holds a specific event known as Relay for Life. This event helps the whole community to come together and raise money to help try and find a cure for cancer. When choosing an organization to be passionate about, I chose the American Cancer Society. Cancer is a word that we are all familiar with. It is a disease that in some way touches all of us. That is why for the past two years I have been an avid participant in the Relay for Life.  As a team member on Strides for Superman, I have participated in various fundraisers that have successfully acquired over $3000 in donations for the American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society uses their funding not only for research for a cure but to assist Cancer Survivors and their Caregivers. Each and every bracelet I sold with my team could provide a wig for someone undergoing chemotherapy. The money I helped to raise could provide a family somewhere to stay while a loved one receives treatment in a facility away from their home.  There are also various Summer Camps, like Camp Adventure on Shelter Island that my fundraising efforts help provide free admission to children with cancer and their siblings. Besides the physical and emotional burden of Cancer, there is a financial burden. Families should not have to worry about how they are going to get through this and my team wants to make sure that they know they are not alone. The Relay also brings our community together to show emotional support to those in our town who are fighting this disease or have lost a loved one to it. There is nothing more touching and breath taking than walking along the track at dusk with the thousands of dedicated luminaries decorated and lit. Being that I am very familiar with what a family needs during this horrible time makes it that much easier. Ten years ago, my Uncle Ryan was diagnosed with Leukemia. I watched with tied hands as my uncle and family struggled with their health and finances. Today he is cancer free and it is unbelievably rewarding to take that experience and be able to help out others affected with this condition. Not only is this organization for a great cause it also brings communities together. There are so many reason why I participate in this event, but knowing that it could truly make a difference in someone’s life brings me happiness. I have experienced this first hand and will forever be grateful for all the support my family felt. We as a family never felt as if we were fighting this disease alone, sometimes the best medicine is the support of a team like the one I represent.