We plan and experience an activity called Relay but in my mind getting to the event, raising monies, planning activities, reaching out to others in our communities is called Relaying. And Relaying is made up of so many different facets, one is awareness.

A woman came to my office and found me at my desk. She was looking for information. She told me about a lump she had found, she said she was nervous, and also embarrassed and just wanted some information. I said “go to the doctor”. Seemed simple enough to me but she stalled and stalled around. No work was getting done so I asked “want to talk ... maybe to a doctor or nurse?” She instantly said “OH! YES! PLEASE!”

Now I know that a doctor or nurse walks a thin line with giving advice but I also know they know, better than I, what that line is and this visitor needed more, was looking for more than my answer. I suggested the 1-800 number but she wanted to talk now while she had privacy. So, I asked on our Volunteers’ chat group if a nurse was available. And like an answer to the visitor’s prayer and mine, Mercedes Lassard answered the call.

I don’t know how the conversation went from there as I left, my part was over but Mercedes told me later that the woman was deathly afraid of needles. They had talked, Mercedes answered a few questions; asked a few questions but, the long and short of it was that Mercedes was able to say what was needed to get this woman to push pass her fears and promise to go to the doctor.

Does she have cancer? Was her life saved?
Who knows, we may never know, but you can bet that Mercedes will be tracking her down to just ask – how did it go? To do all she can to support her and offer her some accountability so she has some incentive to go to that doctor appointment.
NOW THAT, IS SOME SERIOUS RELAYING!

Oh! Did I mention this all took place in a virtual world? It did. Second Life, where everything may be virtual but the people, the connection, the Relaying, is as real as it gets!
Fay