We all thought it was just a spider bite.

But after three months, the lump on her neck obviously was something else.

Cancer.

One of my best friends, Hilary, was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

I was shocked. Cancer had hit way too close to home.

As a 20-year-old health-nut, Hilary was shocked, too.

She had quickly gone from a carefree college student to a sick, terrified young-adult.

Treatment was physically difficult plus mentally and emotionally draining.

“I have had lots of time to think,” she said.

“Between waiting hours to see the doctor, lying completely still in numerous PET scans and staring at the clock, waiting impatiently for July 27th to roll around (the date of her last treatment), I have had more than enough time to figure out life. You would imagine that by now I have all the answers. I do not.”

However, after six months of chemotherapy and endless amounts of strength, love and encouragement from family and friends, Hilary now can call herself a cancer survivor.

She has been in remission for one year.

I know many of you also have been touched in very personal ways by cancer.

It is hard to watch those we love suffer from this horrific disease, and it is essential we do all we can to help in finding a cure.

And it is important to remember that even a simple walk for the cause or a tiny donation can help make a difference.

You can help here in Athens.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer and is an enormous resource for those battling blood cancers. Athens’ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk is this Friday, Oct. 3, at the Classic Center.

And my friend Hilary is one of this year’s “Honored Heros.”

This two to three mile walk is an annual event held to raise money for research, patient services and education.

Participants will march through downtown Athens holding illuminated balloons to honor cancer survivors and in memory of those who have lost their battles with the disease.

Treatments of many cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, have improved immensely during the past few decades, thanks to generous donations and dedicated doctors – but there still is no cure.

So I urge all of you to head to the Classic Center on Friday to help “light the night” – I know that many of you are going to be downtown anyway.

For more information visit www.lightthnight.org, or call the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at (800) 399-7312.

- Cameron Yancey is a senior from New Orleans majoring in publication management.