Evanston Relay For Life: The Rose Warriors Soldier On.

It was just over two years ago that Bonnie asked if we could form a Relay ForLife team to support our friend and colleague, Rose, who was battling cancer.  Not knowing anything about Relay For Life, I said sure.

One kick-off meeting later, Relay for Rose was born.  Online registration was easy. Coming up with a password was not.  We finally settled on kick#$% to go with our attitude towards cancer.  We started by telling our team's story on the Relay for Rose web page and sharing our own reasons to Relay on our individual Relay pages.

A story is a powerful thing, and because every person we know had been touched by cancer, it resonated with our own families, friends and colleagues.  The electronic age got the word our via e-mail, social media and online publications; paving the way for a broad dissemination of information and spreading our request for support and donations far and wide.

Before we know it, the donations that assist members of our community going through their cancer journeys and to support scientific & medical research poured in.  The community support was touching and overwhelming.  Relay for Rose (now The Rose Warriors) and Evanston Relay For Life has had record setting years, which we are most thankful for.

Attending the Relay For Life Event at ETHS was something.  Survivors, surrounded by their support networks, students and community members circling the track to the blare of the DJ's music, taking part in the Luminaria ceremony to honor or remember those who have battled cancer, and just knowing that so many people under one roof have gone through what we or a loved one had
meant a lot.

To continue this good work, we need your support.  As of this writing The Rose  Warriors have raised over $12,000 towards a goal of $20,000.  Please help by learning more, forming a team, donating or volunteering: www.RelayForLife.org/EvanstonIL.

Relay For Life of Evanston; May 11-12 at Evanston Township High School.  Follow TheRose Warriors 2013