Relay for Life 2008

This weekend I participated in my 3rd Relay for Life, a national fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. This event was created around the premise that "Cancer doesn't sleep." From 4:30pm on Saturday to 10:00am on Sunday, teams of walkers take turns walking around a track in memory of loved ones that have lost their fight with Cancer, or in honor of those who have survived it. There's live music, and booths that sell food and crafts, and clothes and whatnot. It's actually a lot of fun.

My mother is a Breast Cancer survivor ~ the first woman in our family to have this diagnosis. I remember the day she told me... I heard the words, "I have Cancer" and not much else. I put on the game face until we got off the phone. Seconds later, I looked at Chip and said, "My mother is going to die" and burst into tears. Needless to say, I was scared to death. 

I was living in Maryland then, and had a job that was difficult to break away from (at least I thought so at the time). Mom assured me that I didn't need to take time off to be there for her surgery, so I stayed put and called often. I should have been there. It was a combination of my mom not wanting to inconvenience me, and a huge dose of my own denial. What a regret. Anyway, that was my first, adult introduction to Cancer.

I remember when I learned that my first boyfriend, Rob, had Cancer. We were only out of college for 5 or 6 years. I though, "People my age don't get Cancer." Oh, yes they do.

I am close to many people surviving with Cancer... my wonderful, strong, Aunt Jo. My friend, Gail. Chip's Uncle Andy. My friend, Heather, who is just a few years older than I am.

One of the ways that I honor my loved ones is with a Luminary (you know, the white lunch bags with candles in them). For a few dollars, they slap a sticker on it with the person's name, like this:

During the event,the track is lined with the bags, and as you walk,  you look for the names of your people.

The thing is, there are hundreds of them. In some places there are THOUSANDS. With each step, you read one more name, and then it hits you - each bag represents a  person with Cancer. Then you see a name you recognize and think, "Damn. THEY have Cancer?" You see names you don't know and think, "What kind of Cancer do/did they have? How old are they? Do they have a good support team? Did they find it in time?" I had only walked 1/4 of a lap and I was already crying.

Each Relay team member gets a   T-shirt. The captains wore red this year. Relay committee members wore green. Cancer survivors always wear purple. At one point, I walked over to our lawn chairs and there were two people sitting in them - a survivor and his wife. The woman apologized for helping themselves and I told them that it wasn't a problem. "It's my pleasure! We are here for YOU! Please make yourself at home." She looked confused and explained that they had never been to a Relay for Life event before. So, I took a few minutes to explain the concept, and that I was there for THEM - and for everyone that either HAS Cancer, or provides support to someone who has Cancer. Then she started to cry, and I started to cry, and I hugged 2 total strangers.

It's a LONG day, and night, and morning. This year, I was feeling under the weather, so I stayed until 11:00pm, and went back in the morning. All together I walked a little over 8 miles. I won new pots at the Silent Auction, too! Did I mention that, as of RIGHT NOW (Sunday, 7:08pm) I have raised more money than any other person in DARE COUNTY. I am proud.

I look forward to the day when I no longer have to hear the words, "I have Cancer."

Thank you for your help this year. YOU make a difference.

XOXO, Colleen

PS- I love you. Mom.