Every year I find more reasons to be put of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

In the past, the only cancer to touch my life was through family. However, this past year, it came into my life through my friends. I lost a dear friend to leukemia, watched a coworker battle colon cancer, and realized that a new friend is a bone cancer survivor.

Relay for Life is truly a grueling event. I stayed the entire 18+ hours last year. It was important to me to stay this time. I felt that if I could survive the Relay, it would be the least I could do to honor those battling cancer. I could have left and went home anytime. It was cold. I was exhausted...and I mean exhausted. I kept repeating to myself, "cancer patients can't just quit. They have to survive or die". This mantra helped me to stay focused and committed.

The luminarias mean the most to me. At 9pm all the lights go out, except for the candles inside our loved one's luminaria. It is a solemn time, a private time for many. It is a time that really reinforces my commitment to the cause...to find a cure...so that we may lose fewer to cancer. And in the morning, the day breaks once again, for all of those honored within the luminarias. I am happy that they can experience yet another sunrise. It is a peaceful time that I cherish.

I'm not sure that my words can truly express how the Relay makes me feel. You really have to be there...and I hope you will be!