Relay for Life

This past weekend was our Relay for Life event here in the county. Words can NOT describe the event in all of its glory. If you have never had the chance to visit and support your local event, I would recommend that you do. The luminaria walk and the survivor lap are two of the most moving parts of the events.

During the survivor walk (this kicks off the event), survivors are there supporting each other. Hands are being held, arms are linked, there is a feeling of celebration, as they realize that they are able to celebrate another birthday. Yet, there are tears too, as they walk and talk about those who have fought the battle but lost. I believe that for me, the most moving part of the survivor walk was seeing a teacher at our school who is battling cancer walking with about 7 of her students around the track. Those students were united with her every step of that lap - they were walking with arms around each other the whole way. For that one moment nothing else mattered other than them showing their teacher that they loved her, that they supported her, and that they were there for her. Then there was a special walk for the child who recently lost the battle. There is nothing like seeing 20 kindergartners wearing matching shirts, walking proudly, shouting for their friend who is no longer with them. I know that I didn't have a dry eye after watching them take that lap while listening to his favorite theme song.

At dark, the stadium lights are turned off and the track is lined with bags saying "In honor of" and "In Memory of". The stadium then takes several quiet laps - to remember those who have fought the battle and lost, and to honor those who are fighting RIGHT now, or those who have fought the battle and won!

My Saturday morning facebook status sums up the event very well: home from Relay - been up for over 26 hours and not really tired....running on the high of seeing survivors hugging, holding hands, supporting each other, of seeing a class of kindergartners show their support for a classmate who passed away from cancer, of seeing name after name who have fought a hard battle and lost to this nasty disease. Cancer has no boundaries and it is awesome to see a community come together and fight back together. My teams theme for the night: Cancer is Cruisin' for a Bruisin'!!

I have no more words but I leave you with a picture or 2!!!