Lincoln Woman Shares Relay for Life Story
Lincoln Woman Shares Relay for Life Story Save Email Print
Lincoln, Neb.
Posted: 5:38 PM Jul 24, 2008
Last Updated: 6:55 PM Jul 24, 2008
Reporter: Lance Schwartz
Email Address: lance.schwartz@kolnkgin.com

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Every year in America 3.5 million people join in the Relay for Life to help fight cancer. Friday night at Haymarket Park, Lincoln's Celebration of Life take place and Tracy Harnly will be leading the way.

She's been fighting cancer for four years and she's doing everything she can to help find a cure. Tracy Harnly has been e-mailing her way to a goal of $35,000.

"It pretty much takes up every moment of my non-working, child caring time," she said.

She's been working feverishly ever since she found out she had cancer four years ago.

"When I was first diagonsed with cancer it was in my breast, and then I also had three liver tumors. I went through heavy doses of chemo and could pretty much not see those scans anymore. So that was great news. Then, a year later, I got cancer in my spine. So I did radiation and treatment for that, and that's doing pretty well, but I have cancer in my ribs right now," Harnly said.

Tracy and her husband Dan have two young boys, and she wants desperatley to watch her children grow up.

"When I was diagnosed, I didn't know anyone else my age that had cancer. I had to go to work, then go to chemotherapy and then come home and take care of small children and then try to make it OK for them and to go to Relay and to connect with people, people who understand what you're going through, not matter which side of the coin you're on, whether you're a caretaker or a family member, or if you're going through it yourself," she said.

For Harnly, her first experience at Relay for Life was a life-altering experience.

"When I was diagnosed I had heavy doses of chemo that week. I was tired and when I got there it's just the love and the emotion and the hope that all those people bring is just overwhelming," Harnly said.

If you'd like to experience that love and hope that Harnly describes come on out to Haymarket Park Friday night. The Fight for a Cure will start at 7p.m. and will continue until 7a.m. Saturday morning.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lincoln on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Tracy is an amazing young woman. Thanks for sharing her story. It is important for people to see that cancer affects the young. She clearly is using the misfortune of her diagnosis to help bring about awareness of the importance of the American Cancer Society. What a selfless person she appears to be. She will be in my prayers.

Posted by: Darcy Location: Seward on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Thank you for Tracy's interview, it was very nice. I appreciate anything anyone can do to help find a cure for cancer. Sincerely,Tracys mom

Posted by: cindy Location: lincoln on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Thanks Lance for the very hart warming story

Posted by: told_ya Location: lincoln on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:27 AM
You are a very strong lady and an inspiration to all! Way to go and stay strong! =)

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