CELEBRATE, REMEMBER, FIGHT BACK

You are probably aware that for 10 years I have been involved with our Duluth Relay For Life Event for The American Cancer Society. I have either been the team captain or a team member. This year, due to my work load at my job, and due to being extra busy, I haven't had time to think about relay. Our HOPE UM Church team has had the same members for many years, and I believe they were getting tired. Because the gal who was the captain last year stepped down, no one else stepped up. Usually, it would have been me, but this year I decided to take a break....and since I heard nothing from any of last years members (except one, who was new last year and asked about 2 wks ago) I decided it best to take a break from the church team this year.

Well, three of our Hope family members have had cancer diagnosis, just in the last few months! Thinking about them recently made me feel badly that we aren't having a team. Then this week, with the event coming closer, it's next Friday, 17th, I also thought about how relay is not just about raising money. It is about CELEBRATING those loved ones that have beat cancer, or who are in remission. And, about REMEMBERING those who are now going through cancer treatments, and of course,
REMEMBERING those we lost to cancer.

Now, you will remember that Bob and I and his family lost his cousin Rose to cancer in January, after a short 3 month battle. And of course, at our HOPE family we have many battling, some for a long time, as well as those just starting their battle. At HOPE we also celebrate many, many who have fought the battle and won! We also sadly REMEMBER all from our church family who lost their battle, and are no longer with us. But, we will never forget them. These things are also what Relay For Life is about. As I said, it's not just the fundraising. The event is an inspiration. It is a chance for us also to say that we are going to FIGHT BACK!!! With everyone participating, we feel more power in our FIGHTING BACK! Now, I just talked about our cousin, and my family at my church. There are also my family members who I Celebrate and Remember.

We all have friends and family affected.

I bet you can guess what I am going to say next. Well, yes.... I have decided that I just CAN'T SKIP a Year of FIGHTING! I am hoping that my Hope team members will come back in the fall to fight again at 2010's relay. But, in the meantime, I have joined a team. I know it's "last minute" for fundraising...but we can raise money through the end of our fiscal year, which is August 30. I ask you to support me (and our team...we are small...only 3 of us...anyone interested in joining us?). It's easy to donate online, click on my link on this blog, RELAY FOR LIFE...it will take you to the event page, put in Duluth, MN and it will go to the Duluth Relay Home page. Look at participants, find my name and click on it....it goes to my home page.

You can also print a form to donate offline.

Please think of all those affected by this disease and support us. Thank you in advance!

PS...this is a special year for Relay...it is our 25th Anniversary Year. Duluth Community has relayed for 17 years...this is our 18th Year! (side note...I was on the committee for the very first relay in Duluth...and it was before I worked for The American Cancer Society!)