My Grandma was diagnosed with cancer my freshman year of college. She and I have always had a special relationship, and this shook my world.

My Grandma? The woman who wins poker tournaments and brews her own 190-proof alcohol? The woman who kick started my collection of pocket knives, my obsession with Ohio State football and my love for eating mass amounts of chicken wings?

Lucky for me, my Grandma is a fighter and was diagnosed cancer free in 2013. So far the cancer hasn’t returned, and I am thankful every day. I know that not everyone is as fortunate as I am to get to keep their loved one after such a diagnoses.

I’ve wanted to support the efforts of finding a cure for a long time. However, I’ve always made excuses. “I have soccer, classes and am working two jobs. I don’t have time.”

Then, a month ago, I got an email about a young boy named Ian Gunnell and his family. Ian was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer when he was 6 years old, and is now a baseball and Boy Scout all-star. His family was participating in Obliteride.

I began talking with Kerri Schneider, a PR representative for the cause. She encouraged me to volunteer, and I took her up on it.

The Obliteride is a bike ride put on by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, with 100 percent of every dollar raised going directly to cancer research.

Around the same time, a friend from college began posting about an organization she was involved in called Love Your Melon. She started a branch at Linfield College, my alma mater, and encouraged former classmates to join the cause. Love Your Melon sells hats with 50 percent, of the profits going to cancer research. Similar to TOMS, for every hat you buy, one goes to a child with cancer, encouraging everyone to “love your melon.”

I immediately bought a hat for myself and one for my grandma.

And, on the day of Obliteride, Aug. 8, it was cloudy and I was able to wear it during my course marshal duties.

There was another marshal who later joined me, an older gentleman who works for the Kent School District, and in the summer is a flagger for a lot of different bike races in Seattle. This was his first time volunteering for Obliteride also.

We were on the 150-mile ride that started with the cyclists getting off the Bainbridge Island ferry at 8 a.m.

Our job was to excitedly direct the bikers around the corner to Highway 305, pointing, cheering and supplying encouragement.

The best part was that every time we would cheer on riders, they would cheer right back. Many high-fived us as they rode by, and almost every single one sincerely thanked us for being out there.

“Thank you,” “Thank you so much,” “Thanks, guys.”

Everyone was happy to be out there, and I loved getting the opportunity to be a part of such an extraordinary event.

The things Fred Hutchinson does for cancer research and those affected by this disease is incredible. Sitting and waiting, thinking other people will volunteer in your place, is easy. However, taking the initiative to do something yourself feels amazing and will make you want to continue being involved. I encourage everyone to take the time to support this cause and volunteer next year. I guarantee it will be worth your time.