San Bruno CA: WHY Penny Fraley Relays For Life

The below is re-printed by permission. This is just one reason why we fundraise for the American Cancer Society. Underlined bold portion is by me.

/s/ Robert Riechel

Penny Fraley – Heroes of Hope – Class of 2015

My name is Penny Fraley and I am passionate about finishing the fight. My Mom is a 16 year breast cancer survivor. Thanks to early detection, her cancer was caught early and she has been cancer-free! My Dad is a 3-time cancer warrior. He beat prostate cancer 4 years ago and then 2 years later, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. On the way home from the hospital, my Dad said he thought the cancer was going to get him this time. It was a very low point and hard to hear as his daughter. His doctor shared a bit of possible good news: the cancer that was removed would respond to a new chemo treatment that had been on the market for about 18 months. This new treatment was inserted directly into his bladder via a catheter; he laid on his left side for half an hour then on his right side and then wee-wee it out. The chemo never would hit the blood stream. The really cool part of this treatment: it has a 95% success rate on this kind of cancer. It’s been over 2 years and my Dad’s bladder is still clear! The really, really cool part? The American Cancer Society funded the early research that lead to this discovery! It’s a form of the bacteria used to treat tuberculosis. When I say thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society, I am saying thank you for saving my Dad’s life.

I believe we are going to find a cure in my lifetime. I am actively involved in Relay For Life as a way to honor my parents and protect my kids from ever hearing those three words: You have cancer. I look for any way I can fight this disease: I have motivated 3 co-workers to quit smoking this year and introduced Relay Recess into 3 elementary schools which teaches kids the 4 basic behaviors that help prevent cancer: Eat Healthy, stay active, cover up from the sun, and stay away from tobacco. I have helped create an event with the San Jose Giants called Pack the Park with Purple that honors cancer survivors and educates our community about the American Cancer Society. I am proud of how far we have come in the fight, and invite you to join me – let’s finish this fight and make cancer a distant memory!

Relayforlife.org 1-800-227-2345

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Robert Riechel

Photo Credit: San Bruno Patch Archives

Source Credit: Penny Fraley

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