A few days before she moved to Auburn from Atlanta, Courtney Cooke, junior in human development and family studies, noticed some unusual bruising on her legs.
“My pediatrician told me, since I had just gotten back from the beach, there was nothing to worry about, but, if bruises came up on my stomach or ribcage, to call her,” Cooke said.
Three days after moving into her dorm, Cooke woke up with a dark bruise on her stomach.
She went to the East Alabama Medical Center and had blood work and tests done that day.
On Aug. 10, 2011, Cooke’s pediatrician called her mom and told her they believed she had leukemia, but wanted to have more tests done before they told Cooke.
Cooke said she and her mom then went to Atlanta and, within two hours, was told she had leukemia.
During her illness, she heard about Relay for Life. Relay For Life is an event on campuses and in communities across the nation.
“Relay For Life is (an event) where you go and participate in events all day, and there are activities that help benefit those affected by cancer,” said Cooke. “It’s an amazing thing to be apart of.”
After taking a year off from school, Cooke returned to Auburn the following August and has continued to pursue her college degree. She said nothing will stand in her way.
“Courtney is the strongest person I’ve ever met and really knows how to put things in perspective,” said Cooke’s friend Mary Anna Reece, sophomore in public relations.
Because of her situation, Cooke said she has learned to appreciate the little things in life.
“I used to worry about how much money I’m going to make when I get older, but now I wake up and it’s a sunny day, and I just thank the Lord,” Cooke said.
Relay for Life raises money to help people who have been in similar situations as Cooke.
According to Alexandra McGauley, one of two co-chairs who oversee Relay For Life and junior in supply chain management, all of the money raised by Relay For Life goes to the American Cancer Society to fund research of new medicines and treatments for cancer patients.
“You can’t do research without funding,” Cooke said.
The event itself attracts all kinds of people from different walks of life.
The best part of the event, Cooke said, is seeing all of the participants.
“It’s inspiring to see how many college students get involved,” Cooke said.
McGauley said she agreed the best part of Relay For Life was the variety of people who come together to participate and raise money for the cause.
“It’s touching to see the Auburn Family fighting for cancer,” McGauley said.
Cooke said students, parents and residents come to participate in three sections: A survivor section to celebrate those who have survived cancer, a memory section to remember those who lost their lives from cancer and a fight section to recognize those still fighting cancer.
“I’ve learned that relay is not just about my fight, but everyone’s fight,” Cooke said.
Cooke said many do Relay For Life because they have been affected by cancer, but it is always inspiring to her to see those who are involved just to meet people.
Because she has been heavily involved in Relay For Life, Cooke said she has learned about responsibility.
“One person can have the smallest responsibility, but it can go the farthest way, and it can domino effect,” Cooke said.
According to Cooke, this is what Relay For Life is all about — a chain reaction of people making a difference.
“It’s really cool to be involved in something that’s bigger than yourself,” Cooke said.
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