It often surprises me how many lives the effects of cancer have touched... because for so long I have felt like the only one.
I am starting a Relay team this year because both of my parents have cancer and Iw wish not a single more soul to endure such hardships, especially not children, daughters, sons, and relatives. When I was in 7th grade of Middle School, just four years ago for myself, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. My dad was diagnosed in his teenage years. Even after the diagnosis, assessment, surgery, chemo, radiation, and continuing appointments, I still do not talk of it much. The week that my mother was diagnosed was coincidentally Spring break and upon returning to school I uttered not a single word of what had happened... looking back I find it surprising, but at the moment it just seemend natural. I thought it was my responsability to reconcile with what was happening, but looking back I think it should have been anything but.
Everyone out there needs to be aware of the massive amounts of support available to them when dealing with the effects of cancer on loved ones. I have always avoided speaking of it, discussing it, or mentioning it, and for those very reasons it slightly frightens me that I am starting a team. I know I will have to confront issues and feeling that I have surpressed for so long.
This month I celebrate 2 yrs cancer free. I'm so honored to be involved with the Providence Relay for Life. I will be acting as Registration Co-Chair and looking forward to brain-storming new and exciting ideas with the Team Captains.
Our baby East Sac Relay will be held May 3, 2008 @ Sacramento High School. 
Meet & Greet Kick Off for 2008
THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPLAIN WHAT RFL MEANS TO ME. THE EMOTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM OTHERS WHEN WALKING THAT FIRST SURVIVOR LAP ARE DIFFICULT TO EXPRESS. I AM A 16 YEAR BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR .ONE HAS TO BE THERE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL RELAY.PEOPLE ARE HELPING THOSE WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING JUST TO WALK A LAP, WHILE OTHERS ARE LAUGHING, CRYING, HUGGING. IT'S A LOT LIKE EATING A POTATO CHIP; ONCE YOU DO IT; YOU WILL KEEP RETURNING YEAR AFTER YEAR. SO MANY LIVES ARE IMPACTED BY THIS EVENT.THERE ARE SURVIVORS, SURVIVOR FAMILIES, FAMILIES OF THOSE WE HONOR AS THEY HAVE PASSED ON...THE LUMINARY CEREMONY IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. EVERYTHING SLOWS DOWN TO A QUIET, RESPECTFUL TIME WHEN THE NAMES OF ALL THESE DEAR FOLKS ARE CALLED OUT. AFTER THIS ; LIGHTS ARE TURNED BACK ON AND THE PACE BEGINS AGAIN..........UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING..DAWN OF A NEW DAY TO OFFER HOPE TO EVERYONE....PLEASE COME AND JOIN US.........
