My first experience with the Relay for Life was before my sister died of breast cancer. She was diagnosed in May of 1979 and the very next year, I wanted to take action! I went to an organizational meeting...picked up my team captain's kit and then wimped out. Too much responsibility, got to get a team together, got to handle $$...wow...I am overwhelmed. It wasn't easy and it looked and seemed foreboding...
Next time, I was invited to participate on a team the week of the relay...This was in May after my sister passed away in April of 2006...I tried to participate but my team wasn't that cohesive, I mean they may have been friends but I was just an acquaintance and I was so heart-broken that I couldn't stand the pain. I went for an hour or so, but I didn't really participate.
Third time, I am again invited to participate on a team. It's not really my "hometown" relay but it's in my area. This team has friends from high school and I feel a little more empowered. Time has passed and I know my sister would want me to participate. So I sign up and start sending out the emails. I brought in over $1,000 in honor of my precious sister. But still, I am searching for that team experience that has us giggling all night like a slumber party...
This year, I have been invited to be on a team that brought in great amounts of fund-raising and VERY active...hmmm....I just don't know...the feeling's not right...so, this is my wish. I am going to invite my tennis team to become a Relay for Life team. They are the most fun group in the world and the love that we share as a team is unlike anything I have ever known outside of family and CLOSE friends.
So, wish me luck...I will be extending my invites and we will see what happens. I hope my Twisted Sisters will show me that I am right. It is the year of the Twisted Sisters.

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Best of luck!
Good for you for sticking with it! If you weren't ready to be involved 100% on a team before, I think getting some friendly faces there with you is a great place to start. I'm not sure when or where you event is being held, but if you're looking for a "Pajama Party" feel to it...why not incorporate that into your team's theme? You can all wear cute PJ's and maybe slippers (when you're not walking) and bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket with you? Popcorn and pizza at midnight? You can do each other's hair, get a make-over/do make-overs as a fund-raiser, tell ghost stories....whatever! Have fun with it and let the night be a great place to honor your family. (Bring a picture of your sister with you so she can "see" what you're doing for her!)
-Anne