Living proof that cancer is not a death sentence

Cancer survivor Tyler Cook is living proof that money spent on cancer research is having an impact.

Addressing hundreds of people Friday evening at the Relay for Life event at the Laurentian University track, Cook told the story of how he lost his mother to gastric cancer when he was nine, and a sister to the same disease years later.

That's when an oncologist realized it was too much of a coincidence and had all of the siblings tested. It turns out, the family shared a genetic mutation that made them prone to getting the disease. Worse, it was not detectable until it was stage 4.

"So we had a choice to make – (my sister and I) could have surgery, or we could wait to see if cancer developed."

They went ahead with the surgery, and had their stomachs removed. Tests later showed the presence of cancer in both of them. Other members of their extended family were then tested and many came back positive for the cancer and also had their stomachs removed.

"I'm a cancer survivor," Cook told the crowd. "If anyone ever asks you whether the money being spent on research is doing any good, I'm living proof. My family is living proof.

"We might not win every battle, but we are definitely on the road to winning the war against cancer."

Event co-chair Cindy Rocca said everyone at the Relay had personal stories about why they were taking part.

"And yet we're all here for the same reason -- we've all been touched, directly or indirectly, by cancer," Rocca said. "Let's make this a positive experience, because we''re all here tonight to fight cancer."

Estelle Joliat, also co-chair, reminded everyone that Sudbury's relay was one of 5,000 similar events being held in 25 countries.

"By walking this track, we are joining forces with nearly four million people worldwide, who want to create a world, like you, where no one fears cancer," Joliat said.

It was then time for the Survivors Lap – the first walk around the track for cancer survivors and their caregivers.

The smell of sweetgrass from a smudging ceremony combined with the music of the Greater Sudbury Pipe Band as participants walked the first lap, followed by the release of (biodegradable) balloons, symbolizing the hope that cancer will be beaten.

One survivor – Erin Heitman, who beat uterine cancer two years ago – said she's been walking in the relay for 10 years, long before she got sick.

"Hope,” Heitman said, echoing a theme, when asked why she has participated for so long. “Cancer is not a death sentence. You can beat it. So I'm here to celebrate, to rejoice the fact that you're going through this fight, that you've beaten it."