So, I know I'm a little late on this post, but I thought I would write a little something to let you know how I spent last weekend! Every year myself and a handful of my family raise money all year for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. We started last November with a private showing of Twilight, and did various things throughout the year such as a big 'ol yard sale and selling "feet" and "cupcakes" at locally owned grocery stores. (these would be little paper feet and cupcakes that you could buy for a dollar, and dedicate it to a loved one). All of these fundraisers culminate at the actual event usually held in the summer. I know the name "relay" makes you think that we do some sort of running, but that is absolutely NOT the case! In fact, it's an all night party! We do have someone from our team walking a track at all times to symbolize that cancer never sleeps and neither do we!
This year we had a Mr. Relay contest which was actually a lot of fun! We only had 3 guys sign up, but I'm sure we can get a lot more for next year! They had a lot of fun (as you can see below, maybe too much fun...) We also had a midnight pizza party, and our team hosted bingo at 1 AM.
You might ask why we go through so much trouble and spend so much time for some all night party. We do it because we have all lost someone to cancer. We also all know people who have fought cancer and won. Everyone has been touched by cancer. We relay because we have hope that some day we will have a cure. That some day, we won't ever have to say goodbye to someone well before their time. We relay because we are sick and tired of seeing the suffering. We relay to fight back. All the money we raise goes to cancer research.
Throughout the year, I ask myself all the time "why am I doing this" and "why waste my time, no one seems to care"but as soon as I see all the people dressed in purple with the word SURVIVOR across their back walking that first lap, it all comes back to me. It's not about me. It's about all those people who's lives have been forever changed by cancer. So even though it's a crap ton of work, at the end of the day it's all worth it.
I encourage you all to join us next year, and be a part of relay in any way possible. You don't have to join our team if you don't want to, but just donate your time or resources to the cause. We are always looking to things to auction off or sell. Anything and everything helps. Come down the night of relay and support the vendors. We raised $18000 this year, and I know we can do better than that. Together, we can all the difference to someone. Together, we can save a life. Maybe that life will be yours.
Below are some pictures of our fun event this year. Thanks to Christine Nelsen for taking such awesome pics!
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