In less than a month, hundreds of students and community members will overtake Blatt Field to celebrate Relay for Life and the university’s 13th year supporting those who have battled with cancer.
For one specific graduate student, Relay hits home. It's a part of Amanda Thomas' own battle that began many years ago.
Thomas, a first-year master's student of epidemiology, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2.
Two years later, her cancer was in remission. However, Thomas decided that her fight against cancer had just begun.
Thomas graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
“I came to South Carolina to continue my studies in public health for health research,” Thomas said.
She found that she was particularly interested pediatric oncology.
“My battle with cancer has directed me,” Thomas said. “I’ve learned a lot.”
When Thomas was 5, she attended Special Days Camp in Montague, Michigan, which is a camp for cancer survivors and their family.
“Cancer affects the whole family, and there should be healing for all who are involved,” Thomas said.
She continued as a camper for 12 years after that and has been a counselor for the past seven years. Although the camp is a way to relax and have fun, all the attendees have to deal with the sobering reality of cancer.
“I lost my first camper at age 18,” Thomas said. “He had just graduated from high school and then he passed away. His name was Michael. He had cancer in his lungs his freshman year of high school, but they removed the tumor. A year and a half later he relapsed and then tried clinical trials they thought would help but didn’t."
Michael eventually decided not to continue the trials.
Organizations such as Special Days Camp and Relay for Life can offer the faith and hope that one touched by cancer needs.
“Why wouldn’t you do Relay?” Thomas asked. “Cancer affects more people than you realize. Survivors don’t look like what you realize. Not everyone is bald.”
Thomas’ fight against cancer won’t stop after this April’s Relay. She plans to work at a hospital or cancer research center after graduation.
“Cancer is a huge part of our world,” said Thomas. “We are nowhere near finding the cure and we need this research. I just want to make an impact.”