Two Cancer Fighters Rally Fort Myers for Relay for Life
A 10-year cancer survivor and a woman who lost four family members to the disease are turning their pain into purpose by rallying Southwest Florida for the upcoming Relay for Life event. Their message: nobody fights cancer alone.
When Cheryl Zukowski lost her hair during cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society was there with a wig, scarves, and even makeup classes to help her feel like herself again. Now, a decade cancer-free, she's paying that support forward.
Cheryl and Diane Andruszko are rallying Southwest Florida to join the fight against cancer at the upcoming Relay for Life event on May 15. For these two women, this isn't just another fundraiser. It's deeply personal.
"My mother was diagnosed, both my brothers, I lost my husband, and I lost my daughter," Diane shared. She spent years as a caregiver, watching cancer take four people she loved. But instead of letting grief win, she channeled it into helping others face the same battle.
Cheryl knows firsthand how crucial that support can be. Beyond the wig and scarves, the American Cancer Society provided resources that helped her navigate one of the hardest chapters of her life. She proudly wears her "survivor" shirt, a badge of honor from 10 years of being cancer-free.
The two women met at a community event and discovered their shared mission. They've been involved with Relay for Life for years, and they're inviting everyone in Southwest Florida to join them. You can start your own team, join an existing one, or simply make a donation.
The Ripple Effect
Every dollar raised at Relay for Life goes toward cancer research, patient support programs, and resources for families navigating diagnosis and treatment. The wigs, scarves, and makeup classes that helped Cheryl? Those come from events just like this one.
The event does more than raise money. It creates a community of hope where survivors are celebrated, loved ones are remembered, and everyone fighting cancer realizes they're not alone. When cancer touches nearly every family in some way, that collective strength matters.
The Southwest Florida Relay for Life takes place May 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bonita Springs High School track. If you can't make it, the Compass Hotel in Naples is donating $1 from every watermelon margarita sold in May to the cause.
Through every lap walked and every name honored, Cheryl and Diane are building something bigger than grief: a community that fights back together.
More Images
Based on reporting by Google News - Cancer Survivor
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
