In memory of my dad, who had passed away from non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I attended my first Relay in 1997. My sister and I wanted to remember and honor our hero, the best dad in the world. Then on July 31, 1998, I went for my routine biennial mammogram. As a Registered Nurse, I knew there was something different as the technician took more views than normal. The radiologist recommended a six month follow-up mammogram. At that point I became my own advocate. After several surgeries including a new surgery to detect certain lymph nodes, I heard those words “you have cancer”. Because of the location of my tumor, I received an experimental radiation therapy, followed by 5 years of Tamoxifen. Relaying as a survivor gave me a different vision and the support system that I needed.
In 2004, my sister Linda was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. At that time, I was asked to participate in a study at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA for a new breast cancer drug. Linda sadly lost her battle 2 ½ years after her diagnosis. I continued in the study. I am proud to say, today it is a recommended breast cancer drug treatment.
My story constantly changes with family and friends diagnoses. My sister’s daughter was diagnosed with B cell lymphoma right when Covid started. The tests and treatments that Heidi went through were all because of stem cell transplant research. After the transplant and 2 years of cancer immunotherapy, her PET scans have shown she is cancer free.
The word HOPE is truly not just a word in my life ….. it is my way of life. I use my voice to advocate and to share my story as a survivor and a caregiver. My name is Marcia Sharkey. I live in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. I am a mom to 2 beautiful girls and a “Mimi” to 3 wonderful grandchildren. My grands are my world. They are why I continue to Relay.