VIDEO: Lemont Resident Shares Cancer Survival Story at Relay for Life

Relay for Life got off to an emotional start in on Friday as a local woman shared her family's multiple battles with cancer.

Amanda Curry, 32, was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 14. The disease required extensive chemotherapy, and forced doctors to amputate her leg.

In December 1999, her mother, Bettye, was diagnosed with colon cancer, and the following spring her father, Bill, was told he had bladder cancer.

Today, all three are in good health.

Amanda shared their story at the annual Relay for Life of Lemont-Homer Glen, held Friday night at the Lemont High School Athletic Complex.

"Lemont has been fabulous. The community really helped support me and my parents," Amanda said tearfully. "I get really emotional because it's not only my own fight, but my parent's as well."

More than 200 walkers participated in the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser in Lemont. The event was initially delayed more than 20 minutes as organizers waited for nearby storms to clear the area.

"Braving the rain is kind of symbolic," Amanda said. "Through cancer, you fight through the rain to get to the sunshine, and the moments you have getting there are way better than the bad moments. Keep fighting through the rain, and keep smiling and laughing no matter what."

For more on the event, visit relayforlife.org/lemontil.

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