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June 5, 2009

All-night fundraiser gives cancer survivors hope and inspiration

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer

Many people at Friday’s Relay for Life know about cancer firsthand.

Debbie Brock, of Waukomis, is one of them.

Brock was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2000. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction.

Then, in 2003, she was diagnosed again, this time with stage-four breast cancer. It is said 90 percent of people with stage-four cancer will not survive, she said.

This time, Brock’s cancer had spread into an ovary and a lung.

“I had a total hysterectomy,” she said. “I had a partial lung removed.”

Not only did Brock undergo much surgery, she also had chemotherapy.

“I’ve been bald three times,” she said.

But, even with the grim prognosis that was before her, Brock has been cancer-free for almost six years, defying the odds.

“I get to be 10 percent!” Brock said.

To what does Brock attribute her success?

“I just attribute it to being able to keep a smile on my face and never let it get the best of me,” she said. “And that is doable.”

She also said her daughters, Desiree and Destiny, gave her the strength to survive.

“My strength came from them, for them and because of them,” she said.

And Brock also gives thanks for a few things that were beyond her own realm of doing.

“I am cured due to God and even due to Dr. (Francisco) Dexeus,” she said.

As for Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser, Brock has only wonderful things to say.

“It’s an encouragement and an inspiration to everyone that attends and a cure for the future,” she said. “I just know it will bring a cure.”

Relay for Life is an all-night walk around the downtown Square during which team members take turns constantly walking from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Teams walking get funding from sponsors, and businesses can have their own fundraisers, such as cookouts or fruit slush stands, during the event. Entertainment also is provided.

“The whole idea for the relay is that cancer doesn’t sleep, so neither will we,” said Kyla Latta, a Relay for Life volunteer.

At dusk, a luminaria ceremony was held for all of those who did not survive.

At midnight, many act-ivities were to begin, such as a limbo contest, volleyball and a scavenger hunt.

In the morning, a short ceremony was scheduled to be held with breakfast and awards.

About 30 teams participated in the walk.

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