Why I Relay
Contributed
Pat Montgomery participates in the painting party at last year’s Party with a Purpose for Relay for Life.
Pat Montgomery was undergoing a six-month battle with breast cancer in 1992-1993, which made her familiar with doctors at the Northwest Alabama Cancer Center. In 1994, “they had asked me to come and do a mini-concert for their Relay for Life,” Montgomery said. The program was a fledgling one for the Shoals area – and after Montgomery experienced it, she said she knew she had to see a Relay for Life begun in Franklin County.
Back then, Montgomery said, the American Cancer Society board’s primary fundraiser in Franklin County was a celebrity waiter event at the Golden Corral. At the first Relay for Life in 1995, however, “we raised a lot more money,” Montgomery said – thousands more.
Relay for Life began to be held at the Russellville track, which was lined with motorhomes as cancer-fighters marched the track 12 hours straight, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. “At all times, someone was walking the track … We had a good turnout, even in the middle of the night. Everybody was dedicated,” Montgomery said. “Cancer never sleeps.”
Breast cancer wasn’t to be the only personal battle for Montgomery. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2015. “Back then, lung cancer was a death sentence. You didn’t survive. And mine was inoperable, on top of that,” Montgomery said. A sister who was diagnosed with lung cancer lived only ten weeks from diagnosis. “But through radiation and chemo, I ended up cancer free.” Her cancer returned in October 2016, but additional treatment was begun to target, treat and shrink that cancer. “Jan. 9, I went back, and the cancer was gone,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery, who has always participated with the Valley State Bank Relay for Life team, said she Relays because she believes in the American Cancer Society’s mission.
“I know that when we raise money, they are helping with research and they are finding new drugs,” she said. “Through the funding and the research, we have more survivors. We’re winning. We’re winning the battle.”
Her favorite part of Relay for Life – which is a favorite for many – is the luminaria ceremony. “You just reflect on those that have lost the battle, and you’re so thankful and appreciative for those that are still here.”
