Relay for Life Offers Hope for Cancer Survivors

Robert Ginyard said that while it sounds strange, he was in some ways glad he was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago.

Ginyard made that proclamation while speaking Friday night at the opening ceremonies of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life event at CCBC Essex.

Obviously, he said, he was not happy about having to go through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

But, Ginyard said, the diagnosis provided him with perspective of what is important in life and what should be appreciated and not taken for granted.

"I thought I lived the right life, treated everyone OK and if someone needed something I was there for them," Ginyard said. "You wonder how in the heck can this happen to me?

"[My diagnosis] taught me to live again, it taught me the value of my family; to kiss my daughters in the morning and to kiss my wife, even after a spat. You just learn to live again."

In all, the Relay for Life had 413 participants, 36 teams entered and raised more than $87,000 for the American Cancer Society, according to the event's website.

One of those participants was Deborah Thim. A four-year cancer survivor, Thim also shared her story of how cancer has impacted her life.

"I came to the realization that cancer does not discriminate," she said. "I’m no different than anyone else. At that moment I chose to focus on the positive things. My diagnosis was just the beginning.

"The most important thing I did was change my attitude. Things changed, things looked different, things tasted different. I chose to fight for life with grace and dignity."

Relay for Life is also an emotional time for longtime event co-coordinator Earl Prior. A multiple cancer survivor himself, Prior, along with his wife , love the opportunity to hear the stories of survival and how so many have overcome the odds to beat cancer.

"I enjoy this so much every year," Prior said. "It's hard to explain to others not involved with Relay how you can grow so close to friends you often only see once a year."

Editor's Note: Essex-Middle River editor Ron Snyder's son, , is a cancer survivor and one of those honored at Friday's Relay for Life.