Friday, June 29, 2012

This was the 9th year for Relay for Life in our community and the turnout was wonderful! For those not familiar Relay for Life is a 12 hour fund raising event put on in many communities by the American Cancer Society and a host of local volunteers supporting cancer victims, their families and friends, and raises money to help find cures for this modern day plague. Teams are formed which then set up "campsites" for the night. There are various fundraising events such as competitions for best decorated campsite, a Relay Queen contest, talent show, a jail where bail must be earned to get out, carnivals, bake sales etc. Each team usually has some items or food for sale to help raise money. Pledges are solicited and a team member walks at all times. The event lasts from 7pm to 7am and the evening is full of structured activities for the old and young alike. It's a great family activity for a wonderful cause. Unfortunately the weather refused to co-operate so our event had to move from the track and field to our High School gyms. It was a bonus in the end as we had AC!!!

I have attended Relay at least twice before and both our kids have volunteered for several years.  I signed my Dad and Grandma up to walk in one of the earlier events together as survivors. This year it was my turn to walk the survivor lap.What an awe inspiring experience!

The emotions I experienced ran the gamut-sad that I had to experience cancer on such a personal level at a relatively young age, fearful for all those present who were currently fighting the fight, hurting for those there remembering their loved ones who had lost the fight, incredibly thankful that my treatment was brief and considered a cure, grateful that I was healthy enough to be able to participate, blessed that my journey was paved with support, overwhelmed looking at all the faces in the crowd knowing each and every one had been touched by this evil disease and had their own stories to tell.

Starting the survivor lap I was able to smile and feel proud that I have in fact beat the beast! Soon, as I passed by familiar faces along the path, I remembered I wasn't the only survivor, my family and friends were also survivors. Good family friends, friends of my kids, and old classmates of mine were scattered along the way offering hugs, high fives and kissing me as I passed by. One hopped out and gave me a balloon hat she had that she called my "halo". So very sweet! As we passed each "campsite" we were given survivor gifts with inspirational messages on each one. Just small tokens of motivation, strength and courage to help us keep keeping on. As I've said before, just because a patient is considered cured they still bear the physical and emotional scars and nothing will ever take those away. The love and support you feel during that walk is unbelievably powerful. I tried to fight back the tears but eventually I couldn't.


At various points during the evening short presentations are made by survivors sharing their stories, families sharing their losses, and those generally affected by cancer. At dark the luminary ceremony takes place. Volunteers spell out encouraging words such as HOPE and CURE with lighted paper bags. Next the track is lined with bags honoring those fighting, survivors, and those who lost their battles. Everyone present lines the path and becomes completely silent as they walk a lap represented by each bag.  For our Relay beautiful bagpipes played Amazing Grace. Next a power point presentation remembered and honored patients past and present. The entire gym was moved to tears as loved ones were honored for their amazing strength and courage.

I have found that four faiths are crucial to recovery from serious illness:faith in oneself, ones doctor, ones treatment, and ones spiritual faith.
Bernie S. Siegel MD

For anyone who has never experienced Relay I would strongly encourage you to give it a try. It is very powerful and incredibly healing. Even in our small community there were names and faces not familiar. One thing was certain, were were all brothers and sisters in the fight against the evil beast!!! Knowing we were all working together by either donating time or money was incredibly uplifting knowing we were doing our part to help prevent other families from hearing those horrifying words, "You have cancer."