In addition to supporting the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a great source of support and encouragement to those who are battling cancer and their caregivers who try to support them. This weekend, I walked alongside people who are not only my teammates and coworkers, but more importantly great friends. They have been so encouraging to me throughout this whole process through their prayers and words of support. At Relay for Life, lighting the track as symbols of hope were luminarias with the names of those who have lost their battle to cancer or those who are still bravely fighting. About a week before the walk, my friend and team captain Ben told me that the team had decided to purchase a luminaria in honor of my mom and her brave fight against cancer, which she is thankfully winning! That night, we gathered around her luminaria and thanked God for all that He has done so far and will continue to do, and prayed for continued support and strength for my mom and family. It has been a great encouragement having these friends supporting me, especially as I am away at school and unable to be with my family as things progress.Monday, April 28, 2008
Relay for Life
Earlier this year, I signed up to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, a 12-hour walk to raise support of cancer research. I originally signed up for the experience, to spend time with some of my closest friends raising money for a good cause. Really, I had no reason NOT to do it. After my mom was diagnosed, the walk took on a different meaning. Now I had a purpose, because cancer had a face and a name. This past weekend, I took to the track with my team of Residence Life staff members, along with 30 other teams for a total of almost 280 participants. Kicked off by a survivor lap, taken by members of our community who have beaten cancer, along with their caregivers, we began a 12-hour adventure to honor those who have been affected by cancer. We started walking at 7pm with great enthusiasm, but as the rain started to fall and lightning flashed in the sky, Relay for Life was moved indoors to the gymnasium and indoor track. Team members slept and played games on the gym floor while walkers continued on the indoor track above. Throughout the night, each team had to keep at least one person on the track at all times. I personally walked from 7pm on Friday night to 2am on Saturday morning, taking a brief break to move our campsite indoors and again at midnight when pizza was brought in. I was able to rest from 2 to 3, but joined my teammate on the track from 3 to 5. All of the participants took to the track shortly after 6 for the final lap before cleaning up our camp sites and calling it a night. Overall, the weekend was a great success. The Residence Life team raised $633, and altogether, Messiah College raised over $27,000 for cancer research. Thanks to all of you who supported my team! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
In addition to supporting the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a great source of support and encouragement to those who are battling cancer and their caregivers who try to support them. This weekend, I walked alongside people who are not only my teammates and coworkers, but more importantly great friends. They have been so encouraging to me throughout this whole process through their prayers and words of support. At Relay for Life, lighting the track as symbols of hope were luminarias with the names of those who have lost their battle to cancer or those who are still bravely fighting. About a week before the walk, my friend and team captain Ben told me that the team had decided to purchase a luminaria in honor of my mom and her brave fight against cancer, which she is thankfully winning! That night, we gathered around her luminaria and thanked God for all that He has done so far and will continue to do, and prayed for continued support and strength for my mom and family. It has been a great encouragement having these friends supporting me, especially as I am away at school and unable to be with my family as things progress.
- Cindy
In addition to supporting the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a great source of support and encouragement to those who are battling cancer and their caregivers who try to support them. This weekend, I walked alongside people who are not only my teammates and coworkers, but more importantly great friends. They have been so encouraging to me throughout this whole process through their prayers and words of support. At Relay for Life, lighting the track as symbols of hope were luminarias with the names of those who have lost their battle to cancer or those who are still bravely fighting. About a week before the walk, my friend and team captain Ben told me that the team had decided to purchase a luminaria in honor of my mom and her brave fight against cancer, which she is thankfully winning! That night, we gathered around her luminaria and thanked God for all that He has done so far and will continue to do, and prayed for continued support and strength for my mom and family. It has been a great encouragement having these friends supporting me, especially as I am away at school and unable to be with my family as things progress.
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