I was working at the Relay workshop and in the middle of a conference call when a new person stopped by. He had heard of Relay and wanted to "check it out". I was kinda half - heartedly listen to him, twiddling with a poster, and participating in the call when I realize what he had said: I WANT TO LIVE, MAY I RELAY?
"EEEEKKKKKKKK REWIND!
He had found out three days ago that he had cancer of the lungs and a spot on his liver, he was scared, alone, and he had come to Relay! He had come to find us! I immediately knew I was over my head. what with the conference call and all. I rapidly put out a call to my fellow survivors, "Is anyone free to speak with a man who just found out three days ago he has lung cancer and a spot on his liver. I am on a conference call and not able to give him the attention he deserves? On ACS island Relay workshop." Now here is where I get the goose-bumps!
Immediately, immediately, replies came back that this one was free, that one would be free in 2 mins, another was on the way, and yet another upset that they couldn't get free. Three people just arrived - the response was amazing, absolutely amazing and that scared, confused soul was covered up with love, laughter, suggestions on facing chemo for the first time, and most of all friendship within minutes. He wasn't alone any more waiting for his only relative to come to town. He had joined the fraternity of "SURVIVOR" and his brothers and sisters had come to meet him and help him out!
It was an eye-opener too … I, the one in the corner, on the conference call too important to get off of, was feeling very humble by the offers of concern and encouragement being displayed in that room to a complete stranger in our community. Humble because those Survivors, my friends, remembered what I had forgotten; Relay isn't about the grand total money raised or number of participants. No. It's about helping people - helping just one scared, confused person - now that is the spirit of a Relay!
*tossing my cell phone into Elmo's water bowl and slappin' the bottom of the catsup bottle *
Fay
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This is what inspires us to keep fighting!
You're so right, Fay. This is why we Relay. This is what makes Second Life worthwhile, in fact, it's what makes FIRST life worthwhile. Being able to give, and get, support. Because we're not just fighting for a Cure. We're fighting to get everyone who hears those words "you have cancer" the right information, support, and friendship, to help them walk this journey.