North Cancer Survivor Shares Story to Motivate Relay Teams

At 14, almost 15 years old, student Michelle Austin has a different perspective on life than most her age. 

Her battle began in 2008. She began throwing up round the clock and at first, doctors couldn't figure out the problem. Then, during a trip to the emergency room, doctors found a stage two tumor on her brain stem, she said. 

Then followed the lengthy hospital stay, getting worse before getting better, and the delicate surgery that would ultimately save her young life, leaving only a small scar as a sign of such a difficult procedure.

Austin shared her story with about 100 people Wednesday during the Grosse Pointe Relay for Life's 2011 campaign kickoff party. She spoke confidently and passionately, causing tears to well up in her own family's eyes as well as those of the many others attending.

The teen is on a team for the Relay for Life and wants to encourage others to fight back.

Last year, 29 teams raised $103,000 for the Grosse Pointe Relay for Life, which is an organization that aims to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. So far this year, the organization already has 20 teams in place, said Event Chair Julie Borushko.

The amount raised last year exceeded 2009 by more than $30,000, and Borushko hopes this year's relay will exceed 2010 by much more.

There were about a dozen cancer survivors at the event, who were recognized. Many others have been affected by the c-word, including Borushko, who first got involved in Relay for Life in college. She then returned to the event in the months following her father's cancer diagnosis. He died two weeks after his birthday and less than a month before the annual relay. 

Three  fifth-graders also spoke. They were the captains for Team Star last year and were asked to lead the team again this year.

The elementary school students, Jack Streberger, Tony Cipriano and Angelina Cavaliere, presented information about what work goes into being in charge of a team. They are not cancer survivors but their family members are. One has a mother who survived breast cancer, another has a cousin battling brain cancer. 

Their presentation brought laughter to the room, which was filled with people of all ages. The organization is in the midst of campaigning to get more teams involved and to motivate the existing teams for fundraising before the event May 14-15. 

Those in attendance were urged to consider leading a team and dozens of volunteers who work on the event annually were available for questions. 

For more information, check the local organization's website.