NMCP's Junior Enlisted Association Relays for Cancer Research

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life made its way onto the Tidewater Community College campus in Portsmouth, Va., June 22, with 15 members of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's Junior Enlisted Association raising money for the cause and walking in the overnight event.

Relay for Life is held at schools, parks and fairgrounds around the country with teams camping out overnight and taking turns walking in the relay.

Sponsors and relay participants donate money and supplies to help fund the event, and money raised goes to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and treatments for patients. The JEA team, along with 46 other teams, totaled 449 participants raising nearly $60,000 from the Portsmouth relay.

The overnight event highlights that cancer never sleeps, so team members walk the track throughout the night and into the next day.

The relay is also a way for those who have lost someone to cancer a chance to remember them and to celebrate those who have won against the disease. Cryptologic Technician - Technical 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Springer, NMCP's Hematology and Oncology Clinic, is still fighting, but knew from the moment she heard of the relay that she had to be there.

Springer was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a softball in the frontal lobe of her brain in January. The tumor came as a shock to her, even though she had been battling headaches, blurry and double vision for a few months, Stage 3 brain cancer was not something she thought she would be dealing with.

"You always see on TV, how people say, 'I never thought cancer would happen to me.' Well, how they portray it on movies and TV was really how it felt, I really never thought it would be me," Springer explained.

After having surgery to remove 50 percent of the tumor, Springer has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation to eradicate the rest of the tumor. During her treatment, she lost an uncle to cancer, making the relay that much more personal. Springer wanted to be at the event to connect with and inspire others with cancer. She hopes that she can also get involved with support groups and other events to encourage and help others with cancer.

"I have had such a great time today," Springer said at the relay. "I didn't know anyone really, except the people I work with, and I've ended up talking to so many people. I figure if I'm out here, I'm doing what I can to give back to the community. And I'm actually having a really good time. I mean, did I wish I didn't have cancer? Most definitely! But I'm fighting it, and I want to help other people fight it, too. I've had a blast out here today, and so many people have inspired me."

The JEA members raised more than $300 to donate to the fund. Not only did members raise money before the walk, but they also had a table set up at the event selling snacks, drinks and glow sticks. They also bought luminarias online before the walk, which are white paper bags that can be decorated to celebrate someone who has fought cancer, support those who continue to fight, and honor the ones who have died. Candles are lit inside the bags and placed along the track as glowing tributes. As the sun set, and the luminarias glowed around the walking path, the JEA members settled into their camp for the long night.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Yocelin Hernandezrojero, NMCP's Occupational Therapy Clinic and team captain for the JEA Relay for Life team, helped organize the event and was excited about the opportunity to be able to help.

"I just think this is a good way to give back," Hernandezrojero said. "All of this money goes to the Cancer Society for research and finding a cure. I think it's just so worth it, and you feel like you are really making a difference."

Relay for Life was established in 1985. Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours at a track in Tacoma, Wash., and raised $27,000, which was donated to the American Cancer Society. As relay has grown, more than $4 billion has been raised for the battle against cancer.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.