Last night I took part in our local Relay for Life. I'd never been asked to take part and jumped at the chance when asked by a friend. My Grandfather passed away from cancer when I was 8 years old. His death was the first one I experienced. My other Grandfather has problems with skin cancer. My Step-Father is a cancer survivor. My Aunt is a breast cancer survivor. We lost Justin's Grandmother to cancer as well.
As you can see, our family isn't different than yours. It's amazing to me how many people have had to face this disease. I feel like it's such an important cause and it's so very important for us all to get together and support such a cause.
I would be shocked if you could find a family in your neighborhood who hasn't known someone that's had cancer. It's scary. I hope I am invited to be on another team next year.
The night started off with a victory lap. I was surprised at how emotional I became watching these people walk their lap. It was overwhelming for me. I was standing with some of the ladies from our team and we all stood and wept. Here is a picture of some survivors doing their victory lap.
After they did their lap, they did another lap with loved ones and care takers. After that lap, they released their balloons.
When it was dark enough they lit the luminaries. I was surprised to see how much work some people put into their luminaries. What tributes! I should have taken pictures of some of their work. I did get this one.
What a beautiful sight to see the lit luminaries. Somewhat bitter-sweet as some of the luminaries signify loss of life. If you are able, please take part in your local Relay for Life. If you can't donate your time, donate your money.
Thank you Amber for exposing me to such a beautiful event.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Relay for Life
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8 comments:
"I hope I am invited to be on ANOTHER (my capitalization) team next year."-
does that mean amber is a little tough to be a team member with? :-) just kidding. i came up to visit while you and tracy were walking. i am so disappointed with myself for not taking the invitation to be on that team too. but since you're looking for a new team for next year, amber if you're reading, i'll take meyer's place:-)
what a great thing! i have two friends who are living with their parents' walk through this right now...i have been able to be their shoulder often as they face such uncertaintity in this disease. the victory lap sounds so AWESOME!
Relay for Life is such a great thing to be a part of. It is so wonderful to celebrate life and the people that have survived and those who have not.
Plus you great weather!!
Gosh Kerrie, I must have been a pretty bad team leader if you are already looking for a new team...the day after the event! ha!
It was awesome! Last night was the first time that I've participated in the event also.
Thank you so much Kerrie for being on my team, baking the cookies and walking!!
Amber - bail a sister out here! Throw me a bone! You said next year you just wanted to walk and not be the head cheese.
(whispering)amber...(looking both ways)...if you have a team next year...(looking again)...don't let that heidi chick be on it. i've heard she's trouble...(whistling as if nothing was said) :)
Relay for Life is always an emotional event to go to. I cry every time I attend. I always get luminaries in memory of my Mom and Jack's Dad. It is such a neat thing to do. Cancer doesn't care who it hits.
Susan
HA, Kerrie! Yes, I did say that. However after its all said and done...I can probably be convinced to do it all over again.
I'm a big sucker like that.
If not, I'll just recruit you or Heidi to be the big cheese!
I was honored to be on the Relay for Life Team as well. Amber, you did an awesome job!!
I did the relay in '02 for a friend who discovered she had breast cancer when she was pregnant with her third child - she had also had cancer as a young child - she passed away June 30 of last year, and I really want to try to write a tribute to her on the anniversary. It was awesome to see her walk the victory walk - knowing she had beaten cancer twice in her life - the cancer had spread to her lungs and lymph in the last few months of her life - her 3rd child is now 3 1/2. It is amazing how wide spread cancer is - I can't imagine anyone not knowing someone affected by it.
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