Why I Relay by Diana Pernicano

Hi Everyone,

My name is Diana Pernicano and I am 20 years old. I started participating in Relay about 8 years ago in honor of my dad Ted. When I was in the fifth grade he was diagnosed with Chordoma a rare Cancer in the coccyx bone. After an extensive surgery my dad was Cancer free and has been for 9 years! I participate in honor of him and other friends and family who have Cancer or have had Cancer. 

I decided to bring my Relay spirit to my college Mount Saint Mary College and be the co-chair. I was so excited to bring my ideas to our school! Two days after I found a lump in my neck and after a biopsy it was determined that I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

I have gone through 6 chemotherapy treatments and have now been Cancer free for over one week!

Although I had participated in Relay for 8 years I didn’t really know all that the American Cancer Society did. I have participated in the Look Good Feel Better Program where I was given 2 wigs and makeup to help me feel my best. As a Memorial Sloan Kettering Patient I was able to speak with multiple patients who get rides to treatment through ACS, have stayed in the Hope Lodge because they live far away, and have used the Cancer questions hotline. The money raised also helps fund research. The treatment plan I have received was recently funded by donations and is more effective than the previous plan.

I currently run a Cancer blog to help others get their Cancer questions answered and to show them it doesn’t have to be a scary journey. I have also spoke at multiple Relay For Life events this year in hopes of sharing my story and inspiring others. Although I have not been at my college I have raised $3,000 personally this year from just sending out emails.

My Yorktown team this year Diana ‘s Lymphomaniacs and the Yorktown Teen Center will be putting on two basketball events and a Zumba event. Hoops for Hope the first event will be on March 21st. The second basketball event as well as the Zumba event will be on May 31st.  Thank you Yorktown for everyone who has helped me through my journey, I couldn’t have done it without you!

-Diana Pernicano

Here is the link to my Relay Page: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=57565&pg=personal&px=28712823

Here is the link to my Cancer blog: http://dianapernicano.wordpress.com/