Due to rain storms and flooding on Friday afternoon, the Relay was postponed to Saturday night. And then the heavy humidity on Saturday (the heat index was around 100) made an interesting Relay this year. We were HOT! But that wouldn't stop us. We still gathered to celebrate, remember, and fight back! As of last night, Steele County raised over $93,300!
In case you are not familiar with the Relay for Life, it is a family-oriented event that involves teams of people who take turns walking or running around a track all night long…because cancer never sleeps! It is a unique celebration of life in honor and in memory of those who lives have been touched by cancer. It's a party-like atmosphere with fun activities, food, music, and entertainment!
The Honorary Chair of this year's Relay, Jim Miller, who has been cancer free for 3 years, gave a very heartfelt speech. He said, "I said to God, 'If it’s your will for me to live, then help me through this.’ I turned all the worrying and stress, and I left it in God’s hands. It seems as though I’m looking at life through a whole other dimension today. I hear the birds. Everything looks three dimensional to me. I’ve grown very strong spiritually, stress and worry is just not a part of me any more. It’s gone. I’m able to experience the moment and live for today. Forgot the statistics. Listen to your doctor, but, put your life in God’s hands and just get ‘er done. Don’t let anybody tell you you’re not going to make it. Make your own trail, and be the statistic that makes it."
LIVE FOR TODAY! He talked about how he takes life one day at at time and wants to be the best person he can be because we never know when it will be our last. Oh, how wonderful it would be if we could all do the same! I'm going to try to take life one day at a time and LIVE FOR TODAY! Even though I couldn't be as involved with the Relay as much as I have in the last few years because of two little new people in my life, I am still so very passionate about it. If you have not participated or been to your county's Relay for Life, I highly encourage you to do so. Your life will be inspired!
Walking among the 3,500 beautifully lite luminary bags is always touching. Even with the extreme heat and humidity, it was, just as it always is, an amazing night to reflect, honor, and celebrate everyone affected by cancer. CELEBRATE. REMEMBER. FIGHT BACK!
So, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Amy
Extremely hot, but still smiling at the Relay for Life! (Don't look too close at my frizzy hair and sweat drenched body!)
My dad, Alan, a cancer survivor, walking in the Survivor Lap.
My dad, a cancer warrior!
Eli cooling off in the kiddie pool!
The Cox family! (Minus Barry, Erin, Josh, & Corrie - we missed you guys!)
Walking a lap among the track of 3,500 luminary bags! (It was just too relaxing for Eli and he fell asleep. Either that or he passed out from heat exhaustion! But Will's going strong!)
A close-up of our little sleeping Elijah!
Luminary Bags in honor and in memory of...
My Dad (testicular cancer SURVIVOR!)
My Uncle (died of testicular cancer)
My Grandpa (died of prostate cancer)
My Grandpa (died of bladder cancer)
My Grandma (died of breast & lung cancer)
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life has united communities for a quarter of a century to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Relay for Life supports the ACS’s work to save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. Together, we’re creating a world with less cancer – and more birthdays.
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