June 9th & 10th, 2012
The last time I participated in the Relay for Life, I was pleasantly surprised to see the many people who gave of themselves to make it work. There were activities throughout the event, food and raffle tickets to be purchased, and people of all ages who came out to participate. There is even a great offering that some people provide where you can pick up a bead for every lap you pass them on - that's a great way to remember the event, but also your own participation in it. I still have mine as a reminder! But far from being some kind of abbreviated cancer fallout Woodstock, the event itself was (and is) an effort to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in the ongoing battle against cancer.
I am asking that you might consider to pledge a certain amount to my team, Wings of Hope, to help fight for a cure to cancer through the ACS. Every little bit helps and would be much appreciated. You could give a set amount, some spare change, or even pledge an amount per lap that I walk - the latter option might be a dangerous road because I like to run to keep in shape, I've developed a habit of walking and reading (and I LOVE to read!), and so I can rack them up pretty quickly! This year the luminaries are also going to be used to hold canned goods that will be given to the community, so consider sharing some of your food in this way also if you're in the area.The 2012 Relay for Life in Lakeside, CA will have a "first" element for me. Though I've walked before in honor of those I know who have been personally touched by cancer, this is the first time my participation in the event has crossed over into the "personally personal" arena. For the time being, I will leave this rather enigmatic intro to suffice for the secret that is to come.
More than anything, I want my participation in this year's Relay for Life Lakeside to be a commitment not to the ACS but to the people in my life who have cancer, have been close to those with cancer, and who are now doing life in the wake of cancer's devastating effects. Because of them, I am honored to "walk this road" with them and share in their struggles, joys, and tears as we remember how far we've come, and how far we've yet to go.
THE FIGHT ISN'T OVER.
Your Relay For Life event is coming up again this weekend, and we wanted to make sure you knew that even if you can't be there, you can dedicate a luminaria to a loved one with a gift. Click now to help.
We all have a story to tell – a story of love, loss, and hopefully one of fighting back, too. Maybe you came to a previous Relay event to support a friend, a sister, a son, a parent. Maybe you just needed to light a luminaria and remember a loved one lost. Whatever it was that led you to join the 2011 Relay For Life of Lakeside CA, you're part of our family now.
Learn more at RelayForLife.org or by calling
1-800-227-2345. We hope to see you again soon.
Touched By Cancer
When I was going to seminary I became friends with an amazing woman whose life is now personally touched by cancer. When we lived nearer to each other, I enjoyed game nights, dances, hang out times, and chances to watch her joyful, faithful, fun personality shine in front of me and her loving cadre of friends. She was - even as she is now - an amazing woman of God whose love for Jesus is foundational to her character and integrity as a wife, friend, worker, and person.Leslie's faith in the midst of this new journey in her life is an inspiration to all. She connects her experiences to the Word of God and draws strength from the very Source of life, even as she walks through the valley of the shadow of death. Cancer is a scary word, but she is determined to fight, and shares her thoughts in an insightful, touching blog so others can learn and draw strength from her own. She is a part of the body of Christ, as well as the body of cancer fighters. I walk for her.
When I first got to California and to this new job with Lakeside Christian Church, there were a handful of people who reached out to lessen the stress of our cross-country trek. One of those couples was Tim & Debbie. In the absence of nearby parents for me and Rebeca, they fit the bill at a time when we needed them. We were touched by their concern for us, willingness to help, and generosity in welcoming us into their family. We shared in meals and game nights with Tim, Debbie, Charity, Melody, Derek, Shayla, and Tanner that we won't soon forget.
And after a time of remission, Tim himself was touched by cancer again - a battle that he lost. With the characteristic humor, grace, and strength I'd come to know of them, I got the distinct honor of experiencing with them the pain of loss to cancer. Even then, they shared with me the beauty that can come in another's passing, even a unique and beautiful way (Heartsong Memory Beads) to continue to carry your loved one with you, literally. Through them, I am enriched and see both the joy and pain that comes with the diagnosis of cancer. Moments are more precious than the words that - through no fault of their own - lack the ability to speak the groaning of the heart and soul. I consider them - and the family they produced - to be people indelibly marked on my soul. I walk for them.
The Unforeseen Future
I would like to think that cancer is not in my future but there's no guarantee. Not even the healthiest choices or best doctors can insulate us from the unknown. I would hope that if I one day learned that cancer was going to shift my familial, emotional, spiritual, and physical landscape, there would be people who would walk for, and with, me through it all.And, of course, the hope would be that cures would be found by then, and that people in power would care more about individual lives than dollar signs so effective treatments were given the green light. So I'll support the ACS as long as they continue to faithfully search for cures and ways to increase the quality of life for those who are currently living with cancer.
I'm a part of the team, Wings of Hope. And I'm walking tomorrow.
