By Brandie Kessler
bkessler@pottsmerc.com
NORTH COVENTRY — Like many people, North Coventry Supervisor Andy Paravis got involved with the Relay for Life years ago to join in the fight against cancer.
In 2004, when he was diagnosed with multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone marrow, that fight became more personal.
“I think everybody with cancer never forgets the day they were told they had cancer,” Paravis said.
He remembered having to go home and tell his family, specifically his wife and daughters about his diagnosis.
He said that he could tell they were worried, “as smiley and happy as they seemed, I’m sure they were concerned.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m not the guy suffering, it’s my family,” he said. “I can suck up the pain, they’re the ones suffering.
But, “We knew that with our faith and church family we could get through this,” he said.
He explained that learning that he had cancer strengthened his faith.
“It brings a new renewed faith in whoever you worship and whatever you worship,” he said.
Paravis is part of the Cedarlites Relay for Life team which is made up of members of the Cedarville United Methodist Church.
He recounted having his “entire body scanned a thousand times,” and the many uncomfortable and painful treatments and tests he underwent.
Although Paravis is clear that his experience with cancer has been no picnic — he’s become ill from the treatments he’s received to fight the cancer, he’s undergone two bone marrow transplants that were incredibly painful, etc., — Paravis is also candid with how much the world of cancer research and the way cancer is talked about has improved.
He remembered hearing that cancer was a communicable disease when he was a boy, and being told “So and so has cancer, don’t go to their house,” he said.
A big part of what has made cancer a word that people can say today is the work of the Relay for Life.
He said the Relay for Life has given people an opportunity to be proactive in the fight against cancer. It’s given people someplace they can go where others have an idea of the fight they’re enduring.
Also helping Paravis in his personal battle with the disease is his wife, who he calls his “pillar of strength.”
“She’s never showed any wavering,” Paravais said. “You find out that your wife loves you and she’s always going to be there.
“I’m just going to go on as long as I can with my family and the prayers my church gives me,” he said.