Cancer survivors share stories ahead of Relay for Life event

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Cancer has impacted almost everyone's life in some way, whether it's a friend, a family member, or your own fight.

Two women are sharing their stories to raise awareness of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on May 15. Each day, people fight battles on their own, but there is one way coming up soon that you can help join in the fight against cancer.

"As you know, everybody has been touched by cancer of one sort or another in their lifetime," said Diane Andruszko, a Relay for Life participant.

A woman who lost two loved ones to the disease and a cancer survivor are turning their pain into purpose. Meet Cheryl Zukowski and Diane Andruszko.

"I'm wearing a shirt that says survivor, because I am one. I'm a 10-year survivor," Zukowski said.

WINK News anchor Annalise Iraola met Cheryl and Diane at a WINK Listens event in Matlacha. For these two women, cancer is more than a diagnosis—it's a journey they know all too well.

"My mother was diagnosed, both my brothers, I lost my husband, and I lost my daughter, so I've been a caregiver for many, many years," Andruszko said.

Zukowski shared how the American Cancer Society helped her during treatment. "In my case, I lost my hair, and I got a wig and a couple of scarves from the American Cancer Society," she said. "So there are a lot of helpful things. I even got a makeup class because I lost eyebrows, too."

Diane and Cheryl have been involved with Relay for Life for years, and they want you to join the fight against cancer. "You can join our team, join any team, create your own team, make a donation," Andruszko said.

"I love being involved in the organization and helping out, and again, helping them fundraise," Zukowski said.

Relay for Life events help raise money for cancer research, patient support, and resources for families navigating the disease. "We celebrate and honor our survivors, we remember those who are no longer with us, and we fight back by raising funds and continuing the mission of the American Cancer Society in real life," Andruszko said.

Through every name honored and every step taken, they hope to bring others strength in the fight for their life. Southwest Florida Relay for Life is May 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bonita Springs High School track.

If you can't make it to Relay for Life, the Compass Hotel in Naples has a special Cocktails for a Cause. In May, they will donate $1 for every watermelon margarita sold to Relay for Life.