Wow!  It has been 6 months since I last wrote anything on my blog.  A lot has happened both in Relay and in life.  Since February I have attended 5 Relay For Life® events and countless events supporting those Relays. 

Hello everyone,

Okay, so I took the National Team Partners Quiz posted by Nancy Cook.  I answered 4 our of the 8 questions correctly.  You could say I failed this quiz.  Looks like I need to brush up on my knowledge of the National Team Partners program.

I have chosen to FIGHT BACK against tobacco! 

This past week I renewed my membership with ACS CAN and e-mailed letters to my congressmen asking them to pass the FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products legislation.

Wow!  What an amazing weekend.  I spent it with approximately 800 or so individuals whose energy was simply off the charts!  I attended the 2008 Relay For Life^® Summit in Los Angeles, California.  I was a bit star struck when I ran into Jeff and Darci from the Celebrate.  Remember.  Fight Back.  video.  Pat Flynn, "Mother" of Relay For Life®, was also in attendance.  Staff and volunteers from throughout California were there sharing ideas.  Both Relays I am involved in, Atwater and Merced, received Pacesetter Awards.  I was honored to accept the Top Excellence in Mission:  Promotion award for the Atwater Relay For Life^®.  We met California's Heroes of Hope, including Atwater's Maria Williams.  What an AMAZING WEEKEND!

The 6th Annual Relay For Life® of Atwater was held on September 27, 2008. Due to a new artificial field being installed at our usual site, the committee decided to move the location to a local school, Shaffer Elementary School. Everything with the move turned out great! The event went on without a hitch and was a great success.

This past weekend I attended the Relay University in Fresno, CA. I was asked to facilitate two workshops, the Mission D and Fight Back workshops. I want to thank my wonderful co-facilitators, Jennifer Giese and Maria Williams. They were awesome and we had a lot of fun.

Last night was our Survivor's Reception.  Although the turnout was less than last year, it was a great success. 

CELEBRATE. 

We celebrated the surivivors and caregivers by recognizing them with a small token.  With her mother by her side, Cassie Gunter shared her story about her battle with cancer.  Cassie was followed by her mother who told us the story from a caregiver's perspective.  Truly an amazing and inspriational story!

REMEMBER. 

A mini-luminaria ceremony would honor those who have battled cancer and remember those who we have lost.  The ceremony would be closed with a song sung by David Bond.

Tomorrow night is our Survivor's Reception.  We had a great turnout last year and expect it to be even better this year.  I will be presenting a Mini Fight Back Ceremony towards the end of the reception.  With the way I vision it going it will be a great success. 

A lot is changing with our Relay this year.  The high school where we usually have our event is getting a new all weather track and field.  After meeting with representatives from the high school our committee decided it best to change locations.  We have selected a local elementary school with a track.  Change is not always easy, but our committee is taking it in stride.  There are a lot of positives with the venue change. 

I recieved a phone call a couple of weeks ago asking if I would be willing to consider being the event chair in a couple of years.  I agreed.  It is an honor to have been asked and a bit scary at the same time.  To just think, only two years ago, I had only heard of the Relay For Life^® and now I am being asked to be the chairperson.  I sometimes wonder if I am ready for such a responsibility.  Of course, with such a great committee I am sure to do fine. 

The Annual Atwater 4th of July Parade was a great success for the Atwater Relay for LIfe^®.  Instead of walking in the parade this year, it was decided to enter a float.  Maria Williams, event co-chair, headed up the parade committee and what a wonderful job she did! 

Go to http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=77627 to see the photo album.

Maria created a mini-campsite on a flatbed trailer with mini-people (kids).  It included at tent, table, benches, an ice chest, and hay.  Then everything was decorated in red, white, blue & purple.  Along with the U.S. Flag flew the Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back flags.  Kathy Flaherty, Team Development, Dennis Johnson, Logistics, and I, Mission Delivery, carried the Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. sail banners in front of the float.  Led by Beatrice Johnson, Logistics, a team of volunteers accepted donations from parade spectators collecting almost $300.  Great job Maria!

I have been burning the candle at both ends for the past 8 months or so.  I have been working two jobs, volunteering my time with the American Cancer Society and trying to keep some sort of life.  As you can imagine, this lifestyle could only last so long.  The burnout would be felt across the board with everything I was involved with.

Burnout no more!  I no longer work two jobs and have much more free time.  I am looking forward to the Atwater Relay For Life^® only 3 months away.  I have finally pulled my Relay stuff out of the garage to sift through.  My excitement grows and grows. 

It's been two long months since I have really thought about the Relay For Life®.  I have attended a few meetings, but my involvement has been limited.  The ball is now rolling and the Atwater Relay is only 3 months away.  My excitement grows as it nears.  I'll be writing more soon.

The 10th Annual Merced Relay For Life® raised $193,300 and is expected to exceed $200,000 by the end of April.  Go to http://www.mercedsunstar.com/167/story/242029.html to read the article featured in the Merced Sun Star.

Only days before the 10th Annual Relay For Life of Merced a letter was written to the editor of the Merced Sun-Star, our local newspaper.  In it the author blasts Cynthia Nixon, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life^®.  Go to http://www.mercedsunstar.com/180/story/235525.html to read this letter online.

The American Cancer Society Lead Volunteer for the Great Valley South Region, Kathy Flaherty, was quick to get a response to the editor.  In it she defends the reseach supported by ACS.  Go to http://www.mercedsunstar.com/177/story/240007.html to read Flaherty's letter.

I wanted to share with everyone an article written by the Merced Sun-Star on September 17, 2007 about a man, Jeff Stopper, who attempted to run 100 miles during the Relay For Life of Atwater.  Although he did not make the 100 mile mark due to a knee injury he made a valiant effort.  I do not remember how many miles he did run, but I believe it was over 80 miles.  He is a true inspiration and the essence of Fight Back!  Here is the article:

Inspired by memory of his late wife, Atwater man takes Relay for Life to new lengths

Jeff Stopper plans 100-mile run

By Abby Souza
asouza@mercedsun-star.com

Today I have taken the time to listen to all the entries for the RelayForLife.org/SharingHope.tv Music Contest.  There's a lot of talent out there and it is great to know some of it shares our interest in fighting cancer.  There was not a song I did not like, but I could only vote for one.  It may have been my mood.  It may have been the message.  It may have been the overall feeling I got when I heard it.  But my vote went to Jenny Spiegel for the Power of One.  The voting ends November 30th.  Take an hour out of your day to listen to the songs and vote for the one you like. 

I was browsing through some Relay for Life materials I recieved yesterday at the Great Valley South Region's Relay University and thought I would share a list of countries who participated in Relay for Life events in 2007.  Here they are:

1. Australia
2. Belgium
3. Brazil
4. Canada
5. Denmark
6. France
7. Germany
8. Honduras
9. Jamaica
10. Japan
11. Luxembourg
12. Malaysia
13. Netherlands
14. New Zealand
15. Philippines
16. Portugal
17. Slovena
18. South Africa
19. United Kingdom
20. United States

Cancer does not stop at the borders or these 20 countries.  All people of all races of all countries are affected.  Let us keep this list growing.  Let us keep FIGHTING BACK!

The American Cancer Society has teamed up with the Fresno Falcons to present the 2nd Annual Relay at the Rink event on December 29th, 2007 at 7:30 pm.  The first 2,000 fans to arrive will receive a purple Falcons beanie hat.  For every ticket sold $5 will be donated to the Relay for Life.  There will be a post game live jersey aucion benefiting the Relay for Life.  A $40,000 goal has been set for the event.

The Fresno Falcons are a minor league hockey team in Fresno, California.  In 2006 and 2007 the Fresno Falcons raised more than:

We use Spirit Points or Bucks at our Relay and award a Spirit Award, a perpetual plaque, to the winning team.  Traditionally we give out spirit points at team captain's meetings and for other various activities before the Relay.  In an attempt to keep the Spirit Award as competitive as possible, I want to award spirit points only during the Relay.  I still want to encourage individuals and teams to get involved before the event.  To do this I would like to create a new award.  It would be exactly like the Spirit Award Program, but for activities outside the Relay for Life promoting the event.  I do not know what to name this new award.  Please help me out and suggest possible names for such an award.  Thanks.

UPDATE:  I have decided to call the award the "Relay 365 Award."  Teams will be awarded points for representing the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life within the community throughout the year.  For example, teams helping staff an informational booth for the Relay For Life at a community fair or farmer's market.

This group has been created for anyone involved with the Relay for Life of Atwater to share stories and discuss ideas.  The goal of this group is to improve our Relay through open discussion where everyone has a voice.  Please respect the thoughts and ideas of others, even if you do not agree with them.  All ideas are welcome. 

Attacking others with obscene language will not be tolerated and you will be removed from this group.  Offensive material, profanity, and obscenities will be removed immediately.

FORUMS:

Use the forums to open discussion.  If you have an idea or question create a new forum post.  Forums can also be used to pass along information about upcoming events, relay happenings, or even something personal you may wish to share with the group. 

BLOGS:

Blogs are like diary or journal entries.  If you are keeping a blog on the Relay for Life website you may wish to share it with the group.  You can do so by clicking the box next to the group name, Relay for Life of Atwater, at the bottom of your blog entry. 

After reading the blog Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back guidebook by Bobby Cherry I downloaded, printed, and read the guidebook. If you have not read it yet, go do it. The guidebook is a great source of information and has me excited about the year to come.

I pledge to Fight Back!

Here's how:

• I will join the ACS Cancer Action Network (CAN). (Completed Oct. 9, 2007)
• I will sign the online petition informing the candidates running for President to Make Access to Health Care a National Issue. (Completed Oct. 9, 2007)
• I will get involved at the local, state, and/or national level in the Access to Healthcare campaign.
• I will encourage my nieces and nephew to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of sweets. ongoing
• I will start eating more fruits and vegetables. ongoing
• I will encourage others to make the pledge to Fight Back! ongoing

I am sure there will be more to come.

Many events have taken place since I wrote my last blog in July.  The Committee hosted a Survivors' Reception.  Atwater hosted its 85th Anniversary Celebration at Veteran's Park in August.  Although I was unable to attend, the Relay for Life of Atwater was present spreading the mission of the American Cancer Society and inviting the community to join the Relay for Life.  My team, Family & Friends, held a 2-day carwash and bake sale raising about $300.  We could have potentially raised more had we promoted the Relay for Life better, but we did well considering we were competing with three other fundraising car washes.  Only one week before Relay, Atwater hosted its annual Fall Festival in Ralston Park.  Again, the Relay for Life of Atwater was present spreading the mission and inviting the community.

The 5th Annual Relay for Life of Atwater began on September 22nd, 2007.  The forecast called for rain and rain it did!  The morning began with only a light sprinkle, but about an hour before the relay was scheduled to begin the rain poured down on us.  Although wet our spirits were high and we continued with only slight delays.  Surprisingly, by noon the rain had left and the weather for the remainder of the relay was great.

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate the independence of the United States and to honor all the soldiers who have fought to keep our country free.  People across the country have barbecues, parties, parades, and festivals.  Atwater is no different!

Despite hot temperatures, Atwater hosted its Annual 4th of July Parade.  People across Merced County pack the streets of the parade route.  The parade begins at 10:00 am and the first spectators arrive as much  as 2 hours early in search of the perfect spot.  Members of our committee arrived at 8:00 am to set up our booth in the park and then we met at 9:00 am to line up for the parade.  That's right!  We were in the parade. 

There were only five of us marching and two of the five carrying donation cans.  The banner carried was the same banner taken to Washington, DC last year.  As we walked the parade route we received applause from spectators.  We asked the crowd to donate their loose change and had a couple of people donate $20.  It all added up and we did quite well.

Everyone who participates in the Relay for Life does so for their own personal reasons.  For most they have a family member or friend who has survived cancer, is fighting cancer, or lost the battle to cancer.  Some have had cancer and beat it.  Participants' reasons are very personal.  The question is "why do I relay?" 

I remember reading somewhere 2 out of every 3 people will have their lives touched at some point by cancer.  I have known many people who have fought the battle against cancer.  Part of me relayed for them.

The true driving force behind why I relay is simple.  I find peace and happiness in helping others.  It's the feeling I get when helping people in need.  Like love, the feeling is too hard to describe.  Donating to charities simply does not do it for me.  Donating is not much different than paying to have my car washed.  There are no warm and fuzzy feeling.  Jumping into the trenches and getting dirty is where the euphoria comes from.  Knowing the hours put in before and during the relay will benefit countless people.  That is why I relay!

When I found out the date of the Merced Relay for Life it was a short 5 weeks away.  I immediately began making phone calls and giving what probably sounded like a sales pitch to my family and friends.  I wanted to make sure I would be able to convince enough people to join my team before paying the registration fee and committing to the event.

When I called one friend I felt a bit of resistance from him.  He made the mistake of telling his wife and she contacted me directly a few days later.  I had them both!  She thought it sounded like a great idea and was enthusiastic from the beginning.  My friend however was the opposite, but because I hooked her I had him.  They both really enjoyed the event and will be part of my future teams.

As I was putting together my team I had no intention of asking my mother to join.  I did ask her to help me fundraise.  She agreed and then asked if she could participate.  I told her no because I needed her to help me fundraise.  The next day I realized how selfish I was being and called her to let her know she could walk and be a member of the team.  Within 24 hours of her joining the team she raised over $500.  She went on to raise the most money for the team and was one my greatest assets the day of the event.

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.