DENVER – Southwest Colorado students who have seen their lives touched by cancer traveled to the state Capitol on Thursday to raise awareness of the deadly disease.
Their stop in Denver included supporting a resolution passed by the Senate on Thursday recognizing March as colorectal cancer awareness month.
Three students represented Animas High School in Durango, while a fourth student came from Pueblo Community College.
Each student had a story to tell, whether it was a mom who experienced the life-changing journey, a grandmother, or even a friend.
“It’s really difficult being a kid and having to take care of your mom because she’s sick all the time and you can’t do anything to fix it,” said Amanda Corbitt, who attends Pueblo Community College.
She added that her mom got lucky by detecting the cancer early. She has been cancer-free for four years. But the stress of the illness still hangs.
The students are members of Relay for Life in Durango and Cortez, an international program run by the American Cancer Society that encourages people to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Events include camping overnight and running around a local track.
“That is why we fight, so more people can celebrate birthdays, and to celebrate our loved ones and remember those who have passed,” said Valerie Hargis, a local community manager for Relay for Life.
Hailey Redding, who attends Animas High School, said she experienced the cancer battle with her grandmother.
“Because of early detection, she’s still here,” Redding said. “I know how scary it is to hear those words that ‘you have cancer.’ I want to relay so people don’t have to hear that,” Redding said.
Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers from across Colorado joined together in Denver on Thursday as part of a larger advocacy day, revolving around colorectal cancer awareness month.
Advocates met with lawmakers to encourage them to pass laws curbing cigarette sales, and to fully fund the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund.
Other priorities include increasing colorectal cancer screening rates and to get policy-makers to sign the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Colorado Cancer Pledge, which confirms support for policies and investments that aim to eradicate the disease.
In Colorado alone, an estimated 24,540 people will be diagnosed with the terminal disease. Approximately 7,590 will lose their painful battles.