RELAY FOR
LIFE 2003
Survivor Lap...this is so emotional. It is the start of the Relay for Life and cancer survivors take the first lap. Cancer knows no age, race, gender or religion. The picture tells it all.
Judi lights a Luminary.
Many individuals purchase Luminaria in memory or honor of a loved one who has
endured a battle with cancer.
After the thousands of Luminaries are lit, the stadium lights are turned out and Relayers walk the track in silence and to somber music. Many people can be seen kneeling next to a Luminaries just reflecting on the life (or sadly, death) of a friend, family member, or co-worker.
The
stands of the stadium are lighted with Luminaries also. One side of the stadium
says CURE and the other HOPE.
The front of our
Campsite. Note our slogan...then note the "WE RAISED BETWEEN"
sign...we raised more than $32,500!
I am proud of the
team!
The sun rise during one of
my walks (around 6am). The track was mostly empty. Many Relayers
were still sleeping. This was a time for me to reflect...to think about the
reason that I do the Relay every year.
Mayi on the right and her
sister acting up at our campsite.
Cathy tries to fake us
out. Is she sleeping or is she not? My guess is that she is barely
awake...note the smile. She was up most of the night.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
Each year,
there is another name to add to my list of those who have succumbed to
cancer. Thus…the reason I continue to do this!
This year, one
of my employees died of a brain tumor. He was a very kind man and was
ultra-attentive to his family. He was an exceptional employee and
friend. His memory will live on.
I also walked
for someone I care very much for. He went to the doctor for a backache and
was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He has only a few days to live. We
ushered at church together many times and joked constantly. He is a warm
and loving family man. I will miss him and it pains me to know that he is
in such pain.
And...when I see the survivor lap...I am hopeful. I ask myself...am I seeing more people I know in the procession because more people are living longer after diagnosis or is it that more people are being diagnosed?
I hope that it
is that more people are living longer due to the efforts of the Relay for Life
participants (the money raised goes to cancer research and patient
education).
Someday…because of our efforts,
we will find a cure for cancer.