Brianna McGregor, 16, of Glendale is proof that cancer doesn't discriminate against the young.
A year ago she was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, a blood cancer, after being unable to shake a winter cold.
"This cancer affects the lymph nodes and the ones affecting Brianna were surrounding her lungs and kidneys, causing huge pressure and a cough that wouldn't go away," said Diana McGregor, Brianna's mom.
Brianna underwent surgery and chemotherapy, which kept her in the hospital for most of 11 months.
Things are looking up for the Barry Goldwater High School sophomore.
"I'm happy to say the chemo ended in December and her first set of post-scans done in February show there are no cancer cells left," Diana said.
Diana and Brianna will be guest speakers during the luminaria ceremony at Saturday's Relay for Life in Surprise.
The event will be a 25th anniversary "Silver Jubilee" celebration of the all-night benefit for the American Cancer Society.
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the 8-acre park directly north of Surprise Stadium, 15950 N. Bullard Ave., in Surprise. It concludes at 6 a.m. Sunday.
Brianna's journey is ongoing, with the young woman dealing with conditions usually reserved for women 40 years or older than she is.
"One of the medications collapsed her hip, and she had to have surgery on it and was in a wheelchair until February," Diana said. "She can't walk more than 100 feet without needing assistance."
"And chemotherapy (caused her to) go into menopause at 16," Diana said. "But we're very proud of what she is doing."
"We have 34 teams and 527 people registered, and our teams are bigger," said event chair Cheryl Bush. "I think the word is spreading, and people are realizing it's not a race."
Instead, the Relay For Life is a walking event, where teams set up camp and have at least one person walking at all times from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The event recognizes those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Funds raised at the Surprise Relay for Life support patient services in Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West and El Mirage. Remaining funds go to the American Cancer Society for programs including research and advocacy.
Last year, the Surprise Relay For Life raised $93,000. This year's goal is $108,000.
Bush said the community can help them reach that goal by attending and purchasing items at the event, playing games, or buying raffle tickets. Free live entertainment will be provided until midnight.
The opening ceremony kicks off at 6 p.m., followed by a survivor and caregiver lap at 6:30.
From 7 to 9, walkers and spectators are treated to country singer Dennis Jones, dancers from A Time to Dance, The Soul Benefactors, Happy Trail Life Dancers, singer Alyssa Balderrama, Willow Canyon students performing Broadway tunes and singer Bret Kaiser as Elvis.
Firefighters from Surprise and Sun City West will serve hot dogs and hamburgers for donations.
The luminaria ceremony will be at 9 and will be a silent time to reflect and honor those fighting and those who have been lost.
To register visit surpriserelay@aol.com, http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14851, or call 1-800-ACS-2345.
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