Danielle Lanich (O43) and her family faced many encounters with cancer within the past six years. She lost two uncles to cancer. One uncle was diagnosed with colon cancer and the other with prostate cancer. Three years ago her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet, after a mastectomy, removed lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiation Lanich’s mother has been free of cancer for three years.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Lanich from visiting her mother in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. Through all the adversity, Lanich and her family have remained strong. “We mourn the loss of my uncles but celebrate the lives that they had. I will forever be grateful that my mother is still here. She is the bravest and strongest woman I know,” Lanich said.

Lanich has participated for the Relay For Life in the past with her church. Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of the 2021 Peninsula Relay For Life, which will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on June 26 at Hampton Roads Academy. Visit the Relay For Life website on MyNNS or www.RelayForLife.org/NNS to donate, register, or join NNS’ team. For more information about registration and donations, contact Amy Prillaman (O93) or Jenn Cherry (O22) via email.

Relay For Life donations help the American Cancer Society fund a range of services including research, education and treatment counseling for cancer patients, their families and medical professionals around the world.