A Survivor’s Journey: Finding Purpose Through Relay For Life®

How one woman turned her cancer journey into a mission of hope

Dee Dee Sencindiver was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020. She found herself navigating treatment during an already difficult time: the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her diagnosis was deeply personal, and she first chose to keep it very private, only sharing it with her closest friends. However, as she became cancer-free, she felt a growing pull to give back and help others facing the same uncertainty she once did. That calling led her to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

A personal invitation to make a difference

Dee Dee’s involvement with Relay For Life began with a simple invitation. After a story about her cancer experience was published in a local newspaper, a volunteer reached out and asked if she would speak at a Relay For Life planning meeting. That one experience turned into something life-changing. By the time she shared her story at the 2022 Relay For Life event, she knew she had found the perfect way to make an impact.

“It was the exact way I was hoping to impact others facing cancer, and to do this with a great group of volunteers was icing on the cake,” she said. 

A celebration, a tribute, and a commitment to give back

For Dee Dee, Relay For Life is more than just an event. It’s a very powerful way to celebrate, remember, and fight back. Each year, she personally honors more than 20 individuals during the moving luminaria ceremony, remembering loved ones who have faced cancer. She includes her mother, who is a 20-year uterine cancer survivor, her husband, who has had skin cancer several times, and her father, whom she lost to colorectal cancer in 2007.

Her most cherished moment? Her first survivor lap.

“When I saw my family waiting for me, there were tears of joy, gratitude, and relief to know I was walking this survivor lap cancer-free. Seeing the faces of my loved ones, especially my husband, my mom, and my uncle, is a memory I will never forget,” she said. 

Spreading the word, inspiring action

Since joining Relay For Life, Dee Dee has become a passionate advocate, sharing the ACS mission with family, friends, colleagues, and anyone who will listen. She has inspired others to contribute, whether through fundraising or simply spreading awareness. One of the most rewarding things for Dee Dee has been seeing the kindness and generosity of her community. From unexpected donations to hearing stories of those touched by the American Cancer Society’s work, every moment reminds her of why she continues to give back.

Providing hope and support to others facing cancer

Beyond fundraising, Dee Dee feels fulfilled when connecting with others who are navigating their cancer journey.  

“I am so happy to share my story and let others know it is OK to not be OK when this happens to you. It is OK to ask for help and to need a ride to treatment. It is OK to need help with costs for lodging, treatment, or appointments. It is OK to have to call the help line. It is OK to lean on others and have volunteers working hard so you never have to not be OK again,” said Dee Dee.

During her own journey, Dee Dee had a great support system, but when she started losing her hair, she looked outside of her circle for comfort. 

“When I lost my hair during treatment, I reached out to the American Cancer Society's 24/7 helpline. The person on the other end not only understood my devastation but also helped me get a wig quickly, offering comfort in a deeply personal moment. It’s these small acts of kindness that make a world of difference,” she said.

Dee Dee recently connected with another woman facing pancreatic cancer. Although the women have yet to meet in person due to ongoing treatment, they have built a bond of support through email exchanges. 

“If I can help her with even one small thing—answering a question or just giving her hope—then I’ve made a difference that day,” said Dee Dee.