Cancer does not discriminate. It does not only feed on the weak or the poor. It can affect anyone and everyone, including the rich and famous. This debilitating disease has unfortunately, affected many celebrities. Many are household names and the fact that they were diagnosed with cancer is virtually unknown. What comes to mind when you hear the name Olivia Newton John? Most people would recall a beautiful blonde who sings during her summer nights, not a survivor of breast cancer who underwent a mastectomy.
Perhaps one of the most famous survivors of cancer is Lance Armstrong. He is a world-renowned athlete who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. After fighting off the disease and creating those yellow bracelets that everyone loves, he established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which funds cancer research. Other celebrities who are survivors include Apple's main man Steve Jobs, the guy with the gold tickets, Gene Wilder (best known for his role of Willy Wonka), and actresses Suzanne Somers and Christina Applegate. Sadly, many other celebrities have lost their battles with cancer and we remember them for all of their accomplishments in life and teh legacies they left behind. Cancer, although debilitating, brings people together. Those who have struggled with the disease or those who have known someone who has struggled all come together with a common bond of fighting for hope. We appreciate celebrities who create awareness for cancer, so further research can be funded.
~Allison Lekich, OU Relay for Life Planning Committee Member 2011
