Monday, May 16, 2011

Relay For Life 2011

Last Friday night, I walked in Relay For Life. Relay for Life is a fund raiser for American Cancer Society. All night long, each team "camps out" (though there's not much sleeping going on!) on a local high school football field, and at least one member of each relay team must be walking on the surrounding track at all times. There are Relay For Life events all around the world each year.

I was so honored to walk with my friend Ann, who I blogged about here. She is a survivor and a wonderful friend--I loved having all this time to chat with her! (Ann is a blogger too.)

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I walked 10 1/2 miles through the night--about a mile an hour. (I got a lot of reading done back at the tent too!) Ann walked 19 miles!! Wow! Our mileage included some running too, which helped break up all the walking.

The night started out with a lap for survivors only. It was very touching, and I repeatedly got tears in my eyes. I think this couple were both survivors.

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I was so proud of Ann as she walked by.

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And the most touching moment for me was watching this young survivor walk by. As a mom, I can't think about her right now without getting tears in my eyes.

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We headed home around 6 a.m. It was a long night, and I think I'm still recovering from the messed up sleep! But it was so worth it, and I'm really hoping to participate in another Relay For Life event next year. I'm even thinking about trying to get my own team together. I heartily encourage you to find an event in your area next year too!

Thank you to all of you who donated! I raised $250--and American Cancer Society will put that money to great use!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

How touching to see pictures of survivors from the Relay for Life! I hope you get rested up from the long night but I'm so proud of your hard work for a great cause!

Janell said...

What a wonderful event to be part of Beth! I couldn't even scroll past that little girl's picture without choking up. I do seem to cry at the drop of a hat lately, but still. What a touching image. Thanks for sharing.

Johanna said...

Your contribution to the fund is praiseworthy. These survivors are winners of life. You are blessed to have the chance to take part in this noble cause.
Just a health related fun quiz thought of sharing with you -
Ailment Awareness Quiz - How aware are you about common diseases attacking our healthy life?
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/disease/disease_instructions.asp

Call Me Cate said...

We almost always do our local Race for the Cure (as long as we're in town) and it's all I can do not to just sob the entire time. So much hope and joy, but always with that bit of sadness for me. I'm so glad you were able to participate in this event!

Staying Healthy said...

Thanks so much for this beautiful post...it was so good and comforting to see your family at this event...when they lit the luminarias, and showed on the big inflatable screen, an incredible amount of people began a lap in her honor - it was moving and humbling...

forever folding laundry said...

That's awesome, Beth.
Congratulations!!

~Keri

Brandi and Eddie said...

That is so great that you participate in such a worthy cause, I am trying to get a group of co-workers together for a cause that everyone can feel good about plus the comraderie is also a benefit.

Take Care,

Brandi and Eddie