Relay for Life is a fun filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivors and raise money for cancer research and programs for the American Cancer Society. More than 20 years ago, one man took it upon himself to raise money to support the American Cancer Society. Today more than 3 million Americans participate in Relay events Nationwide! During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds and parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Picture this....a warm, sunny, blissful day as all the teams and cancer survivors set up their tents, games, and concessions on the high school track....of-course we don't live in a warm, sunny, blissful state we live in North Dakota where it snows in June!!! That's right!! Snow!! It was cold, wet and dreary. You think this would stop us? NOT A CHANCE! Cancer doesn't stop for weather or anything else...so why would we! Everyone worked diligently to move the activities inside the high school. The event continued with food stands, gifts items, merchants, the Mr. Relay contest (I'm glad I wasn't the judge!) and the Survivor Lap - survivors from 1 year of winning the battle against cancer all the way up to 25 years were gathered together to take their lap as we all stood and cheered them on. WOW! One of the most amazing sites for me was the over 6,000 luminary bags (bags decorated in honor of or in memory of a loved one who has either lost their battle with cancer or is in the middle of their fight) lining the halls (which now became the track) of this small high school in Bismarck, North Dakota. As I scanned the luminary bags reflecting on all those touched by cancer I found a familiar name peering through the midst. Mr. Vaughn - my high school 10th grade religion teacher and a close personal friend of my fathers. He is battling stomach cancer for the 2nd time - and there he was shining so bright among all the rest for me to honor. What a magical and fulfilling event and I am proud to say I was there!!
Shae and I filled and distributed those beautiful bags. I was amazed by how many there were! Shae really shined as a volunteer...she was quite the worker.
ReplyDelete