Half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease alters the lives of everyone affected by it. In light of Syracuse University’s Relay For Life on Saturday, four students share stories of coming to grips with cancer in their lives.

Vania Myers, a sophomore graphic design major

At the beginning of last semester, my stepdad told me over the phone that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I didn’t know how to respond. 

‘Snooks, I thought I told you. But it’s fine. It is what it is,’ he said. ‘I’m going through treatment right now, and it’s actually quite interesting. The machine they’re using is something called a proton accelerator, so I’ve been doing some research on how it works.’

Typical. He’ll do anything to bring science into our conversations. I always rolled my eyes when he rambled on about his studies and research papers. But all I could do then was nod and smile weakly. I tried reassuring myself – he would never leave me. Never. I also told myself: ‘I’m Vania. I’m strong. I can handle this.’

But when I told my friend about it at a Vietnamese restaurant, I broke down. I apologized for ruining the dinner, but she held my hand. She didn’t know what to say, but her support made it a little better.

I realized the toll that treatment took on him when I went home for Thanksgiving break. Waiting by the bus stop, he looked worn out, skinnier and older. Was this the same man who waved goodbye to me back in September? Then, he gave me that half-smile of his. ‘Now, let me tell you more about that proton accelerator …’

When I left for Syracuse after Winter Break, he ended his treatment. He told me on the last day of treatment, patients ring a bell in the waiting room and everyone claps. I asked if he rang the bell, and after chuckling, he said he opted not to. He is currently cancer-free and still the same dad I know and will always love.

Leo Wong, a sophomore advertising major

Growing up in a small family, I came to value every member very much. But there was one family member who became distant – my Uncle David, an intelligent and hardworking man who made some bad decisions. As a way to cope, he slowly removed himself from the family. I didn’t see him for years and always wondered how he was doing because I missed him so much. 

One day in the summer of 2010, I got a frantic call from my mother telling me that Uncle David had a stroke. I immediately went to the hospital. He looked very different – bald, pale and frail. My heart sunk. It was hard to see him that way. His stroke was caused by a brain tumor. But after that was removed, brain cancer was detected and he started chemotherapy.

Then, his doctors found a rare form of cancer in his spine and gave him only a few months to live. During those months, my family experienced hardship and distress. When we visited, he constantly expressed regret and sorrow for his wrongdoings. He always said he did not deserve our love and care.

Three months after our reunion, he passed. He is always in my thoughts. Even though we lost him, the bond between my family members strengthened. I’ve learned that family is always family, no matter what. Rest in peace Uncle David, we will always love you. 

Victoria Li, senior nutrition major

Ever since I was a little child, I had troublesome, chubby legs. They were quite disproportional to the rest of my body. I had the cute smile, cutesy haircut, but those gosh darn legs. I knew they were going to cause some trouble somewhere down the road. On March 27, 2012, I was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma, a tumor located in my left upper thigh. 

At first I was scared, shocked and numb. I was with my doctor and my mom when I found out. No one else in my family ever had cancer, let alone sarcoma. But after some thinking, I decided every bad experience could lead to something positive. This led me to rediscover an old friendship with a high school best friend and to realize the genuine kindness of people. I’ve gotten a billion cards in the mail, plus boxes of chocolates that I will consume once I conquer cancer. I know I will come out of this a stronger person.

So this adventure with my chubby legs and I begins here. Treatment will entail a few months of chemotherapy, radiation and then eventually surgery. I mostly think about being able to feel normal and healthy again. With the support I’ve received from my friends, family, faculty and staff members from the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, and the Mary Ann Shaw Center, I am sincere when I say: Yes, I am a cancer patient, but I will be a cancer survivor.

Marissa Donovan, junior nutrition major, and Eddie Zaremba, junior entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major – Captains of TeamTor, Li’s support group for this year’s Relay for Life.

Donovan: I remember the moment I found out about Tori’s diagnosis. I was at work and she texted me: ‘Marissa I have cancer.’ I immediately called her and barely made out her words as she confirmed what I was hoping was not true. I hung up the phone and dropped it on my desk, not knowing what to do next.

Zaremba: We texted all morning as she headed to the hospital. I remember re-reading the messages to make sure it was really what she said. It wasn’t news of high shock value, as she had been in pain for a while, but I tried to figure out how to come to peace. I realized if anyone was a fighter, it was Victoria.

To both of us, it doesn’t seem real. It’s so hard to believe that a few weeks ago we were talking about which restaurant we wanted to eat at, and now we are talking about which hospital she is getting chemotherapy at.

But we learned that life’s unpredictability cuts us a break once in a while. Having approximately three weeks before SU’s Relay for Life event gave us time to createTeamTor, a support group of Tori’s friends, co-workers and professors, to band together.

When we shared the idea with Tori, it brought tears to her eyes. Friends, faculty and staff all pitched in and offered support. With our efforts, we’ve received more than $5,600 in donations from Tori fans all across the country. We’re astounded by the love sent our way. Our starting goal was $1,000, but now we represent the second-highest fundraising team at SU.

This is just a bump in the road for Tori. This girl is going to change the world even more someday. So we will walk for her, friends and family, those we have lost and those who still suffer today. But more than anything, we walk for cancer research so we can spend more time with the people we love.

Published on April 11, 2012 at 12:00 pm