Cancer Figther's Hope for Others, Praise for Community Support

The following report was submitted by Carol Marden, who chaired the Greater Seffner Relay For Life fundraiser banquet held Oct. 3 at The Regent in Riverview, with a performance by Stagedoor Performing Arts.

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Last year was my first Relay for Life. Sue Smith and Ann Renee Rehm, who
were the chairpersons for the Seffner Relay for Life, asked me to attend. They also asked if I would speak as a survivor. I experienced a feeling that was very warm, pleasing and the acknowldgment of much more hope.

In Feb. 2010 I was diagnosed with mucosal melamona which is internal melanoma and very rare. I am so fortunate to have the wonderful care through Tampa General Hospital, the exceptional care available at the Moffitt Cancer Center, family, friends and a strong faith enforced by St. Stephen Catholic Church.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer it is always with them.  I try to
live with this thought: Yesterday is history, today is a gift and tomorrow
is a mystery.  I wear a bracelet made by the Moffitt Arts in Medicine, which
holds by wishes for life. One of my wishes is to take care of my husband,
who is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. This is one of my purposes in life.

This year I was asked to participate in the Seffner Relay for Life by Sue
Smith and Ann Renee Rehm. I agreed. I wanted to give back to the
community, as I feel so fortunate. I decided to do a dinner/theatre.

• See Seffner Relay For Life Boosted With Strong Dinner Theater Showing

With much help I was able to secure The Regent at Winthrop, which is beautiful;
wonderful sponsorship of food from all the wonderful restaurants in the
Brandon/Seffner area; and generous gift prizes.

The event was held October 3 and it was most successful, and I thank everyone who participated to make it such a success and the wonderful crew that made it possible. Stagedoor Performing Arts staged an exceptional performance, donating their time to perform, "A History of Broadway."

• See Stagedoor Sings Broadway Tunes for a Cause (Photos)

My wish for everyone who has been touched with cancer is to have strength, courage and hope, and purpose for the life that you have been granted while fighting cancer.

God bless.

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