Monday, May 3, 2010

Relay For Life


Raise your hand if your life has not been affected by cancer.

The crowded clubhouse was rather noisy and so she repeated her request. Still not a single hand went up. Approximately seventy people had gathered for the evening and not one could boast that their life had not been touched by this disease in some way.

My hand remained at my side as I remembered the day six years ago that my husband and I sat and listened as the Dr delivered the news about his mother. Millie has cancer.

At times I wondered what it must feel like for those receiving this devastating message. The emotions I experienced in that moment were like nothing I could ever imagine. The room began to spin and the Dr's voice was loud and seemed to be playing in slow motion, all while someone repeatedly sucker punched me to the point where I wanted to throw up and cry at the same time, only there were no tears and a huge lump formed in my throat. Instead I sat completely dumbfounded.

Less than a month later, we buried Millie.

Saturday night, I supported my daughter and her friends on team Hope Fully Devoted, of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Plainfield at their Game Night Fundraiser. The team of eleven rallied and put together a fabulous night of delicious refreshments, bingo, bags, billiards and donated raffle prizes. These ladies worked hard canvassing local businesses to provide generous prizes including a night's stay at the Hampton Inn, a gift certificate and goody bag from Andreasen Travel, a wine tasting party from Wine Styles and gift certificates from Wonder Hostess just to name a few. There were so many lovely prizes I lost track. The turnout far exceeded their expectations and mine as I truly had an enjoyable evening while helping such a great cause. I even came home the winner of a Yankee candle donated by Forget Me Not Gifts and Decor and a Kids' Meal from Chilis.

Relay for Life is a team event that celebrates cancer survivors, and raises funds for the American Cancer Society research, education, prevention and patient services. It is a fun, outdoor event where teams take turns walking or running around a track. Presented by Edward Hospital, Relay For Life of Plainfield will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Plainfield North High School. Sixty two teams and 335 participants have committed to attend the overnight event, because cancer never sleeps.

Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated!
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1 comment:

Unknown said...

I am in tears! we are walking next month-it's an all nighter

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