For years I have wanted to get involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, but usually found out about a local event only days before and never got involved.  Five weeks ago this all changed when I was informed by Dorene Murphy of the American Cancer Society the date of the Merced Relay.  Within days I began putting together a team. 

I signed our team up online and had only a short time to decide on a name.  I came up with "Friends & Family."  My vision was to put together a team of friends and family making the event much like a Sunday afternoon barbarque, hence the name.  I began asking people to join and quickly had a team of about 12 members.  This would be the base of our team.  They had friends and family come out during the day to join us, putting our team membership up to about 24. 

Having never participated in a Relay for Life event before, I was unaware of how much was required of a team captain.  The morning of the event seemed a bit overwhelming, but I made it through.  My team really came through and I want to thank each and every member.  I would also like to thank Dorene Murphy, Stephanie Struble, and Kristi Bressler all of whom helped me a great deal before and during the event.

The core members of the team wanted to begin discussing our next event, the Atwater Relay for Life, before finishing our first in Merced.  I was too fatigued.  After the closing ceremonies yesterday I went home and went to sleep.  After getting my rest, I began making phone calls and the organization for the Atwater relay has begun.  Instead of having 5 weeks, we have 5 months.  I look forward to another great event and many more years to come with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.