Earlier this year a lady from my church announced that she wanted to start a Relay for Life team to represent our church due in part to the fact that several of our members were being diagnosed with cancer. Many people in the congregation felt the same way that she did about getting involved with this organization to support the individuals who are currently battling cancer and honor those who have passed away. At this time I felt very strongly that God was calling me to be a part of this team even though I have never really experienced anyone close to me having cancer. I just really felt that Relay for Life would be a great cause to be involved with. Sometime after that someone close to me was diagnosed with cancer however, I am happy to report that the treatments have been successful and the individual is doing very well. This experience has made me realize how important it is for all of us to take a stand against this disease by working towards a cure and conquering it once and for all.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Relay for Life, the organization started in May of 1985 in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. The very next year, 340 people participated in this event. Each Relay for Life team is in charge of organizing various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for cancer research. During the Relay for Life event, all of the teams come together to complete their final fundraising activities. Some of the activities that took place were corn hole, bingo, Family Feud, cake walk, duck pond, and ring toss. Musical entertainment was provided by Elvis and Meatloaf impersonators and a few other local performers. Everyone in the community was invited to attend. At this time anyone who had lost a friend or family member to cancer could purchase a luminary in memory of that individual. People could also purchase luminaries in honor of a living person that has been diagnosed with cancer. At the end of the night, all of the names of these individuals were called and a moment of silence was held afterwards. Before the night came to an end, the combined total of money that has been raised by all of the teams was announced and the awards were distributed. My team won 3rd place for fundraising and one of our members won the most spirited award.
Despite the fact that a few rain showers took place throughout the day and night, our county was able to raise a grand total of $60,627.49 for cancer research. My team alone contributed $8,441,91 to that total. I am so proud of them for all of their hard work and dedication. We would not have succeeded without the love and support of our church family. I am now more determined than ever before to be involved with this organization again next year and I think that all of my team members feel the same way. I hope that everyone reading this article will want to learn more about cancer and find out what can be done to prevent this disease from destroying anymore lives. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference.
