Let the statistic, cancer is Alaska's number one killer, really sink in. Just think about what that means to so many of our neighbors faced with a diagnosis. When they, or their loved ones, first learn the devastating news the first thing they want is information. Alaska's American Cancer Society is actually the number one information source.

14-year-old Ariel Courtright is able to eloquently tell us her cancer story. "I was diagnosed when I was three and a half. "The doctor came out and said I'm sorry your daughter has cancer. You have 20 minutes to go home, pack, and you'll be on a Learjet to Seattle."

Ever since the leukemia survivor entered remission seven years ago she has felt an obligation to share her story with as many Alaskans as she can. "Kids thought that I was contagious. They were going to get cancer. And it's not like that. You can't get that."

The Chugiak High freshman is just one example of an American Cancer Society educator. However the Cancer Society's education tools go beyond speeches. ACS education steps in the second someone's diagnosed.

Courtright says, "We actually didn't know that much about cancer. We were pretty shocked. But we had a lot of help. The people came and they talked to us. They told us it'll be fine. And we have to work through it."

American Cancer Society officials say their website is the nation's number one cancer educator. 5,000 information pages to be exact, educating anyone who needs it about the 200

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different cancer forms. Just like Ariel's talks continue to educate Alaskans about the blood cancer she survived.

"It's pretty cool because you can go around telling people," says Courtright. "It's just really important to me that other kids know how it feels like. And don't take life for granted. Because I know so many kids in high school, and middle school take life for granted. It's not smart."

The American Cancer Society's education aspects also include an 800 number, school education programs, and wellness fairs for employers. All this information is free thanks to donations.

To contact the Newsroom, call 907-273-3186.