Written by Kayli Steger
Devoted teams are gearing up to raise cancer awareness at the Nacogdoches County Relay For Life on March 4 and 5, and Relay’s youngest team captain, nine-year-old Jack “Ty” Norman IV, has a personal reason for supporting the cause.
Since last year’s event, Ty’s grandfather Jack was diagnosed with cancer, underwent treatment and has now been given a clean bill of health. This year’s event has taken on a special meaning for the Norman family, and now three generations are participating to fight back against the disease.
Ty decided to become the captain of “Shake it Up,” a team consisting of his grandfather and supportive friends, and he will participate in his second Relay to fight back against a disease that now hits close to home.
Jack Norman walked in the event last year on his daughter-in-law Lisa’s team to honor his late father who died of prostate cancer. After losing his father, Norman had regular cancer screenings at an early age. When doctors found cancerous cells during a 2010 visit, they were able to respond quickly to prevent the cancer from spreading.
“Cancer is a scary word, and I had been getting screened for years because of my father,” Norman said. “The doctor found it early, and it saved my life.”
Norman says he is an advocate of early screening and will pass knowledge of his family’s history of cancer along to future generations.
When Norman heard that his grandson wanted to be the captain of his own Relay For Life team he said, “that sounds like him.”
“He’s very conscientious and understands why he’s doing this,” Norman said. “He’s a fine young man and I’m very proud of him.”
The SFA Charter School fourth grader says he wants to participate in Relay For Life to make a difference for people like his grandpa and for those still fighting the disease.
“I like walking for people with cancer so that we can help find a cure for people like my grandpa,” Ty said. “I want them to know that there are people out there who know what you’re going through and are helping to find a cure.”
Relay For Life will be held from 7 p.m. March 4 to 7 a.m. March 5 at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center. The American Cancer Society is seeking the participation of the SFA community to support Relay For Life of Nacogdoches County. To join or sign up a team or for more information about Relay For Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/nacogdochescotx or call (936) 569-4691.
Thanks for posting, Keith! Ty was such an inspiring kiddo. Are you on the SFA news mailing list to receive our press releases? If not, email me at stegerkn@sfasu.edu. Love the site! Keep up the good work! -Kayli