My Reflections on Relay

As I am writing my last blog post pre-relay I reflect on the reasons why I participate in this event.

I learned of Relay as an undergraduate student at Southern Illinois University. A student organization that I was involved in was assisting with promotion of this event as well as forming teams. In preparing for your first Relay you have an idea of the type of event it is but you never really know exactly what it is until you are there and present in the moment. I remember decorating our camp site and seeing all the other students and community members excitedly participating in the activities of the evening.  I thought to myself, “Wow this is amazing, all these people have been impacted by cancer.” As the night went on I had a true appreciation for the event and all that it meant to those involved. College students, families and community members all joined together because they had a common bond, cancer. I remember the Lumanaria Ceremony well.  As I walked the lap I looked at the bags that lined the track and glowed with candlelight. During these moments, I had time to reflect on my own thoughts but also get a sense of what others were feeling. As I watched, I saw them look for the names of their loved ones on the bags and I could see the range of emotion that spread across the track. There were those who had tears of sadness as they remembered friends and family members who have lost their life to the disease. I also recognized tears of relief as survivors and participants walked on the track and thought about overcoming cancer.

I think I Relay for those who have been impacted by cancer and wish to remain anonymous. I have a family member who still to this day does not disclose to people that she had cancer although she is a 15 year survivor. I realize it is something very personal and individuals who have heard the words ‘you have cancer’ don’t always choose to share their story with others. It makes me think about all the people who I encounter on a daily basis who have battled the disease and don’t speak on it. All those who have been caregivers or supporters to family or friends but keep quiet out of respect for those loved ones. I Relay for the people who have only told a few close family members or friends but have never been able to publicly announce ‘I am a survivor.’ It makes me proud to take a stand and publicly fight back against the disease for all those who wish to fight in private.

It truly is an event that I am proud to participate in year after year. Recently, I met cancer survivors who have been assisted by the local American Cancer Society and have shared their personal stories about how much the organization means to them. Hearing a survivor speak on how they were provided transportation to treatments or encouraged through peer support makes me know that my efforts are worthwhile. When I come to Relay and see the camaraderie that exits between strangers I know that this event is special.

I encourage you to join us at the Relay For Life of Evanston if you are curious about the event and want to see what it is like firsthand. Please bring your family and friends as we come together to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back!

Relay For Life of Evanston will begin at 6:00PM on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Evanston Township High School field house.

www.relayforlife.org/evanstonil