This is a "shout out" to all of those Relay For Life teams in State Farm's Creative Services Department.  Last week, their Relay teams combined to host a 3-day fundraiser.  Why?  Because 3 of their coworkers were diagnosed with cancer in the past 6 months.  They've lost 2 of their coworkers to cancer in the past year.  Yes, it's personal.

Along with selling buttons, quilt squares, baked goods and silent auction items, they also hosted a jail and bail.  (Get this... you could buy "get out of jail free" cards prior to the event.  What a great idea.)  It was amazing to see the items donated for the auction. Creative Services is the "Art" department.  These talented individuals donated their music and artwork.  One creative individual even donated his time.  (You could bid to have him for your personal assistant for 1/2 day!)

Get this... the department head to the entire department out for a walk and gave them a water bottle with a custom label.  When they got out on the walk, they asked everyone to fill the bottle with change.  (A water bottle full of dimes is $90!)

They made posters that were displayed in the hallway.  The words were written by survivors and caregivers.  There were stories written by survivors talking about their valiant battle and how they are fighting back.  There were stories from friends and family members talking about loved ones lost.  I can tell you, many tears were shed reading those poignant words.

They even developed their own campaign.  "It's Personal.  Cancer touches us all."  (The "P" in "Personal" was a purple ribbon.)  I'm proudly wearing my "It's Personal" button as I celebrate my friends and family who are survivors, remember those I've lost, and fight back against a disease that is taking too much.

AWESOME. AMAZING. INSPIRING.  To everyone working to raise money to find a cure and provide programs and services for our cancer patients and their family.  Thank you!  This is a fight we will win!