19th Annual Greater Westerly Relay for Life Announces "Courage Award" Recipient

The Relay For Life of Greater Westerly is proud to announce this year’s “Courage Award” recipient: Aimee Reed of Pawcatuck, CT. The “Courage Award” recognizes a local person who is currently fighting cancer or a cancer survivor who has triumphed over cancer, along with making significant contributions to cancer control and has impacted the lives of others. Every “Courage Award” recipient symbolizes the courageous struggle that all cancer patients endure, from the physical to emotional aspects of their experience with the disease. The goal of this award is to provide the community with a symbol of personal perseverance or triumph over cancer as well as to encourage support and participation from the community in programs associated with the American Cancer Society.

On April 28, 2015, at the age of 31, an active triathlon athlete, she was diagnosed with stage IIIC Inflammatory breast cancer, triple negative and BRCA-2 positive. On the brink of starting her most challenging triathlon season - Aimee had just registered for 4 sprint triathlons, 1 Olympic distance triathlon and 1 Ironman 70.3 triathlon - she found a lump the size of a golf ball on the right side of her breast. Multiple doctors visits and antibiotics later, the news came with the diagnosis no one ever wants to hear.

After countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and “boost” doses, Aimee and her family have banded together to not only support her, but others battling cancer by participating in Relay for Life events and through “We TRI 4 Aimee” were friends form teams and participate in triathlons in Aimee’s honor and to raise money for her treatments.

Aimee has quite the story to tell, and loads of inspiration and encouragement on her Facebook community page “We TRI 4 Aimee”. A special presentation of the “Courage Award” will take place at the Opening Ceremonies at the Greater Westerly Relay for Life at 6pm on Friday, June 3.

The Greater Westerly Relay for Life is free and open to the public to attend opening ceremonies. If you would like to participate in the event, there is still time! For more information on the event visit www.relayforlife.org/westerlyri, find us on Facebook: Westerly Relay for Life, Instagram: @WesterlyRelay4Life; Twitter: @WesterlyRelay.