Everyone knows someone who has battled it, lost the fight to it or has been affected by its wrath. I have never personally lost anyone to cancer, but I have watched many friends lose parents over the disease. I fell in the love with the sweetest 4-year-old girl in Flushing that was a burst of energy until she, too, lost the battle. I had the pleasure of spending only an hour with her for a story about her recovery.
When does it stop? There's no sure way of knowing, but for the past five years I have decided to try and do something about it. That's why I Relay.
Not familiar with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life? It's not only the ACS' biggest fundraiser of the year, but it's made such an impact that it takes place in 19 countries in more than 5,000 communities worldwide. That has to mean something, right?
And it all started with one man — Dr. Gordy Klatt. In 1985 he ran and walked a track for 24 hours as more than 500 family and friends watched. He ended up raising $27,000 to help fight cancer. Now Relay For Life is a collaborative effort of many teams made of many team members, who constantly walk a track for 24 hours to symbolize that cancer never rests.
And neither should we. So now we get to the point of why I'm telling you all this. I became involved in Relay For Life my freshman year of college, getting more and more involved each year. My last two years at CMU I was not only a team captain (Go Team Sunshine!) but a committee member to help organize the entire event. After a one year hiatus I'm so excited to get back into the planning of this amazing event. I am proud to say I am a committee member for the Grand Blanc Relay For Life that takes place in June.
I recently attended a Relay For Life Summit for all the events that fell under the East Michigan office. And it got me pumped. And if I'm this excited I believe it will spread to others. At the summit we were told something that I never really thought about, but now realize how true it is. Relay For Life isn't just an event that happens one day and then it's done. It's a lifestyle. The American Cancer Society uses these funds raised not only for cancer research, but to make life easier for those battling cancer and those who support them. I've never been so drawn in to a cause before.
I also joined a team this year — well was adopted into a team of wonderful teachers. This decades old event is nothing without those who volunteer and donate. So here it is, the reason for this blog post.
I have a goal to raise $500 by June. It's very possible and I plan to raise so much more than that. I've already donate $20 myself. But I need your help. Think about it. $10. That's two less coffees a week. One or two less trips to a fast food restaurant. Saying No to a new movie or CD.
In American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division (Michigan and Indiana) $22.8 million was raised last year alone. It was used to educate the community, provide rides and assistance to cancer patience and support for caregivers.
I know it's Christmas season and money is tight, but consider what kind of a difference this money could do.
If interested in helping me out, please visit my Relay For Life page here.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Obviously I love talking about this event :)
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