Relay For Life

This past weekend, the younger boys and I participated in
the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.  This was our first 

time at such an event, but not the first time its been held in our area.  I'm grateful that my roller derby team signed up for this walk and that we were able to camp out and show our support for people who have been touched by cancer.  An amazing $65,000+ was raised!

Survivors lap.

One of the speakers was a Japanese woman who was a doctor and a cancer survivor.  She spoke on behalf of Japanese Relay For Life which debuted in Japan in 2006.  This was the first time I'd heard of the relay being in other countries.  When I looked into this further, I found out that Relay For Life is held in over 20 countries around the globe.  For more information on International Relay for Life check out this link:http://www.cancer.org/Involved/Participate/RelayForLife/international-relay-for-life-one-world-one-hope

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.  ~C.C. Scott

At around 9pm, the luminaria ceremony began.  This was very touching because the track was lined with bags (with candles) that had messages on them.  You could donate a luminaria in Honor, Support, or in Memory of a loved one.  They were very emotional to read especially since we have so many people we know that are survivors, currently battling the disease, or have lost their lives to cancer. 

A message for my uncle who is currently battling cancer.

My son and his friend walking around the luminaria.