CLEARFIELD – This year, more than 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
For Margaret “Peggy” Porter of Clearfield that statistic became real and very personal when she heard the words “you have cancer” and had to process what that would mean for life.
Peggy was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer in 1977. She recalls the feeling of being told surgery was her only treatment option.
At that time, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy were not widely utilized and surgery was often the only form of treatment.
She was heartbroken to not be able to have more children with her husband, but thankful to have become a survivor. Her involvement with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life began when her sister-in-law Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age.
Peggy fought back against cancer by raising money through unique fundraisers like Bossy Bingo. She was a member of the planning committee for the first Relay For Life event in Clearfield County 30 years ago.
Just five years ago, at the age of 75, she heard the words “you have cancer” again. This time, she faced an incurable type of lymphoma, which affects her blood.
Her team of doctors gave her the option to participate in an experimental new treatment, which had promise to slow the progression of disease.
Peggy was filled with joy when she learned the research she would be participating in, had been funded by The America Cancer Society.
“Back then, I Relayed because I wanted to help and make a difference, but now I feel the rewards of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life program every day. I am just amazed that I am now part of the research that I was helping to fund all those years ago,” says Peggy.
On Saturday May 18, 2024, she will join with other community members at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds to celebrate at the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Central Clearfield County to raise funds and awareness in an effort to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Money raised will help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.
A Survivor Dinner is planned to begin at 5 p.m. inside the Expo 1 Building at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds. Dinner is free for each survivor and one guest. Additional guests may attend for a $5 donation.
At 6 p.m., a Survivor Ceremony and Survivor Lap will take place. Peggy is planning to speak during the ceremony to share her story and offer hope to the community.
Event organizers are asking survivors to RSVP for the dinner by May 8 by calling 814-762-6204 or e-mailing to Barbara.Ardary@Volunteer.Cancer.org.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, the Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer.
Uniting communities across the globe, we celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
All community members can get involved in the event by attending the event, forming a team or making a donation to Relay For Life of Central Clearfield County.
Visit RelayForLife.org/CentralClearfield to learn more about the event.
