(Editor's Note: The Farmingdale Observer will be running profiles of local residents who will be taking part in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraiser on May 6-7. This week's profile was submitted by Fran Barton, a colorectal cancer survivor. Barton works at Farmingdale State University and is the Team Captain for two teams. She is also a Student Team Recruiter and on the Survivor Committee.)

At the age of 45, I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I was shocked with this news and could not believe that I have cancer. There was no family history, nor did I ever have any symptoms. It all began when my gynecologist advised me to get a colonoscopy. I did not know of anyone with this type of cancer. I was really frightened and thought I was going to die. I kept telling my self, "I can't die so young." The colonoscopy was performed in December of 1999. My doctor advised me he saw a mass and referred me to an oncology surgeon for follow-up that same evening. Numerous biopsies were taken at different intervals, all results being pre-cancer. I was told I needed surgery and depending upon the biopsy result on the mass that is removed, I may need a colostomy. Needless to say, I was devastated, frightened, and of course anxious about the unknown. I could not believe that I may be diagnosed with cancer and may need to have an irreversible colostomy.

I was scheduled for surgery on Feb. 18, 2000. Upon awakening on February 19th, I recall placing my hand on my stomach to see if I needed the colostomy. Well, there it was, I felt it. This was the beginning of my battle. When I saw my surgeon, he told me that the mass was cancerous and one lymph node out of the 15 that were removed was affected with cancer cells. Unfortunately, this meant I needed radiation treatments (25 sessions) and chemotherapy treatments (two-hour I.V. drip weekly for three months).

Having the support of my great husband, my large and beautiful family and all my friends, at home and work (Farmingdale State University now for 32 years), I needed to conquer this battle. I was too young to die. In March of 2000, I began my radiation and chemotherapy treatments. In early May of that same year, radiation treatments had gotten so bad that I needed the assistance of hyperbaric treatments. In mid-May I needed hospitalization for a blood clot. It was an extremely long, rocky road; one thing after another was happening. I would not give up my faith and hope. I kept reminding myself that this is all temporary and would try to always think positive. The nurses I worked with, at the time, kept telling me how important this is for my recovery. I did not realize how bad I really felt, until I began feeling better again. Feb. 18, 2005 marked my five year cancer-free milestone. I am able to do just about anything - thank God.

Relay for Life at Farmingdale is extremely meaningful to me. It is my opportunity to reach out and let everyone know there is life, if you or someone close to you is diagnosed with cancer. I am very grateful that I am here today and able to talk about my experience battling cancer, and want to set an example for others fighting this disease. I unwrap each day as a precious gift and live one day at a time. Raising money for cancer research is wonderful. My oncologist tells me, if I had been diagnosed today, my chemotherapy treatments would be in a pill form instead of the two-hour I.V. drip. This was just remarkable to hear! This proves to me that all my fundraising efforts for research at Relay for Life do make a difference.

I strongly encourage each and everyone of you to please make a difference by making a donation, volunteering, joining a team or sponsoring Relay for Life at Farmingdale State University on May 6-7, 2005. Cancer can strike anyone, any day, regardless of age. I am sure that everyone reading this article knows of a cancer survivor or someone who has lost to this horrible disease.

Anyone wishing to join the Relay for Life, or to learn more about cancer awareness, education and advocacy can log onto www.cancer.org or by calling 1-800-ACS-2345.