Relay for Life

bdean
bdean Member Posts: 259
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Dear Friends:
I just had a wonderful experience that I would like to recommend to anyone who has not taken part in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life - Survivor's Lap. It was so awesome walking around the track with all my fellow survivors from the ages of ten to 85. All the well wishers line the track (at the local high school) clapping and yelling encouraging words - it has to be experienced to understand how all that strength and love just seems to flow over you.
Also, I am celebrating my 3rd anniversary of my diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer. I didn't think I would see the end of the year 2000, but some of these new drugs and by the grace of God - I'm still here and able to do many things. The Taxol takes its toll when I am taking it, then I'm not very strong - but when I get a 'vacation' - like now - I start feeling almost normal (except this port is a constant reminder) - but I am not complaining. While I am alive - let me live life according to God's will. It is very hard to come to the point where you are humble and willing to accept what God wants and not what you want.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I do hope everyone is having a good day.
Love and hugs, Brenda

Comments

  • phylise
    phylise Member Posts: 5
    #2
    Our Relay is June 6 and it is my first. I am excited to be ALIVE to participate. I have heard some wonderfull experiences from it. My mother,newly diagnosed with lung cancer, is expecting to walk also, so it will have exceptional meanings to us. God Bless You...
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #3
    Hi Brenda - Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary!! That's inspiration for all of us!
    I walked my first survivor's lap last August right after finishing treatment and you're right - it was an amazing experience. I plan to be there again this year. I'm glad you're getting a break from Taxol and I understand about the port.
    Take care -Diane
  • rainyday
    rainyday Member Posts: 49
    #4
    Congratulations on your 3 years Brenda. Love and laughter.
  • lindadelrio
    lindadelrio Member Posts: 7
    #5
    Hello Brenda, Walking the survivors lap is great. 4 years ago after I was diagnosed with cancer I made a promise that I would participate in anyway with the relay. The following spring I became a team captain, a team member and a one year survivor. Last month I participated in my 4th relay as a captain, member and a survivor. Although at the time of the relay I was getting ready to start chemo for my second round of cancer. My husband and two children participate in the relay each year with me and we all have a great time.
    My father is also a cancer survivor. Most years he flys down from Ohio to participate in the relay with me, this year he was unable to due to chemo. But on the up side, his is, as I write, buying me a plane ticket to go up home to participate in the relay in Dover, Ohio on June 6th. I grew up there and very few people know that I am a survivor, it will be fun.
    I encourage everyone, whether you are a survivor or not to participate in some manner. You never know when you will need ACS's help.

    Linda in Del Rio, Texas
  • bbuie
    bbuie Member Posts: 4
    #6
    Brenda, your message is a real inspiration. Congrats on your 3 years! Our Relay for Life is May 16-17. This is my first year to do it and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm doing it as a survivor!
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #7
    This will be my 3rd year as a team captain for our Relay on June 6-7. There are several others in our county and I will also volunteer to help during those Relays. It's a great experience! Last week I volunteered at the Revlon Walk for Woman's cancer in NYC. It was amazing! 45,000 walkers/runners! What an uplifting experience! Can't wait to do it again next year! HUGS!!! Cathy
  • jake10
    jake10 Member Posts: 202
    #8
    cruf said:

    This will be my 3rd year as a team captain for our Relay on June 6-7. There are several others in our county and I will also volunteer to help during those Relays. It's a great experience! Last week I volunteered at the Revlon Walk for Woman's cancer in NYC. It was amazing! 45,000 walkers/runners! What an uplifting experience! Can't wait to do it again next year! HUGS!!! Cathy

    I've always participated in Relay in all the towns I've lived in, as a member and captain. This will be my first year as a survivor. Never thought I would make that first lap, but I've clapped and cried and hooted for others for many years. Now it's my turn. I will be grateful for the support. Emotionally it will be hard. Just at the Kick Off gathering, the speeches and the video made me weepy, I can't imagine the survivor walk and the luminaries with my name on them. Beth

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