My first REAL relay

KathiM

So, Saturday was the first real relay for life I have attended...last year I was only strong enough to go around on the survivor lap, having been discharged just 4 days earlier from my bowel surgery.

I had many people come up to me (I'm still very hairless) and just start talking, wishing me the best, asking when my treatment would finish...a real extension of my online family here.

I never realized how much my life has changed, in many GOOD ways, since I came face-to-face with the beast. I must say Thank You to the beast for that.

But, I stood there during the opening ceremonies and cursed this disease as well. One of our fellow survivors, after 3 years, lost her fight. So that brings anger to me, and a lack of understanding of how such a horrible thing can happen. Her family was there, her dad said to me in a stunned voice, "It just was so quick". NO ONE should have to bury a child, regardless of their age.

Anyway, I thank you for tolerating my rambling...it was a very inspirational experience for me.

Hugs,

and MANY GOOD VIBES to all!

Kathi

kangatoo

Kathi....you know better than to use tha word "rambling" here! Congratulations on your first relay. I like the word inpirational gal but I also know that the bond we share goes so much deeper than that. I have discovered that in the 48 hours I have been here in Austin.I came "face-to-face with the beast" and my life changed, now I have come face to face with reality, much like your experience at the relay. This bond we all share in our "family" is an amazing thing.Of course I have always known how sincere everyone here on CSN are and no-one needed to tell me how we really feel for each other.
BUT........geeeeez Kathi...I feel so incredible to be with my friends this week. It is not cyberworld, it is reality, it is inspirational, emotional and loving.....EXACTLY what you experienced on saturday....AM I WRONG?
Yes...in some ways despite all the bad stuff I thank the beast....then get on with "beating tha livin daylights outa this demon!"
huggs, Ross n Jen

KathiM

kangatoo said:

Kathi....you know better than to use tha word "rambling" here! Congratulations on your first relay. I like the word inpirational gal but I also know that the bond we share goes so much deeper than that. I have discovered that in the 48 hours I have been here in Austin.I came "face-to-face with the beast" and my life changed, now I have come face to face with reality, much like your experience at the relay. This bond we all share in our "family" is an amazing thing.Of course I have always known how sincere everyone here on CSN are and no-one needed to tell me how we really feel for each other.
BUT........geeeeez Kathi...I feel so incredible to be with my friends this week. It is not cyberworld, it is reality, it is inspirational, emotional and loving.....EXACTLY what you experienced on saturday....AM I WRONG?
Yes...in some ways despite all the bad stuff I thank the beast....then get on with "beating tha livin daylights outa this demon!"
huggs, Ross n Jen

My thoughts EXACTLY, Ross! And I'm sooo glad you and Jen survived the flights! Welcome to the US...and all of us crazy people!
Hugs,
Kathi

Unknown

Congrats KathiM on your participation in ReLay. June 3-4 will be my second and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I get back from Europe May 31 and I will be doing the overnight laps this year starting June 3. I figure what the heck, I'll be in jet lag land anyway and my body will think it's daytime ).

Yes, ReLay is a very emotional, inspiring, and moving event...worth all the time and effort if it gets the word out that some cancers are preventable and many BEATABLE and that no one is alone in fighting this beast. I love the ACS and all the support they gave my mom through their programs when she was doing battle. She'll be smiling down on me this year and walking right by my side. I'll feel her every step of the way. And my Bert will join me in my last few laps in thankfulness of his NED and in memory of my mom and his dad.

Congrats again and take care.

Monika

lfondots63

Hi Kathi,

I can't wait for the one in May in my area. I'm going to show my support and I'm working to get a luminaire created for someone at work that just passed from Pancreatic cancer. I'm sure I will need to bring a lot of tissues. I'm going to take my young kids to the Luminaire lighting too. Take care!

Lisa

pink05

Kathi,

Congratulations on completing your first real relay!!! It sounds like it can be a very inspiring experience. Do they have one in each city? I'd like to find out more about it.

God bless,

-Lee-

Moesimo

I am glad this was such an experience for you. I will be a team leader for one in June. I am looking forward to it.

Moe

Susanbm

I'll be walking in my first one next weekend here in Shreveport, Louisiana. I will be walking with my two sisters - - they are both breast cancer survivors! I'm sure it will be extremely emotional but I am very excited.