represent, but also with it the teens who did the majority of the walking and running during last weekend’s community event.
Held within the heart of Hopwood Junior High School, the non-stop event roared throughout the night and ended up raising about $75,000 for the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the local cancer programs the non-profit group conducts in the CNMI.
With roaming teens everywhere on the school’s field, MV Teen interviewed some of them on how they view cancer and the damaging effects of the disease.
“This is hard and the disease is so sad. It has no recognition of who is young or old, white or black—who ever you are, it doesn’t matter. Who ever fight it, this is amazing, and you’ve got to support that,” said Amada Rabauliman, a 17 year-old senior at Marianas High School.
“I am also here to pay respects for the people who died from cancer, and truly, I admire those who are battling this every day. The way they fight this disease is beautiful. It must be so hard,” she said.
Relating her thoughts to the March Against Cancer’s message, which says “One Community, One Journey,” Eva Ito, a senior from Saipan Southern High School retouches her experience of a relative who was diagnosed with cancer.
“It touches me, because I had a relative who died from cancer. I’ve come to realize that with cancer, there is no chance, it just chooses you. My mom’s sister died from cancer. And my mom was hurt, therefore I was hurt,” said Ito.
“My auntie was bed ridden, but she was so strong,” she continues. “She was always smiling, always hiding her pain. I remember when I peaked through the door, she was groaning with pain.”
Ito looks down the ground and she’s silent. “I loved her. She was so strong and she was a fighter. The thing was that she made it look okay for us, when really she wasn’t. I’m here to recognize those who survived and support those who are fighting it,” she smiled.
Hopwood students Grace Enrique and Deveney Dela Cruz also shared their experiences.
“This event for me represents people who are fighting and will continue to fight, and the people who are helping those who are fighting with the donations they have given to the committee,” said Dela Cruz.
“My grandpa was diagnosed with Leukemia. It hurt the whole family but it really hit my grandma. It affects everyone in my family, but it is important to stay strong,” said Enrique.
“Just stay strong, be healthy and continue to fight. We hope that there will be a cure one day, knowing that people are aware and fighting the epidemic that continues to spread. Hope and strength is all we got,” said Dela Cruz.
