24 Hour Relay For Life...What a Great Event!

We had a great time...participating the the American Cancer Society's 24 Hour Relay For Life, the first event of this type on the campus of the beautiful Brea-Olinda High School in Orange County, CA.

That's right we participated as a team this year in the event and had a blast while also raising over $5,000 from our little team for the cancer fund. When it comes down to it, I don't know of a person or family who has not been directly touched one way or the other by cancer. It's doggone time for us to put a stop to it now!

Our team organized by Christina Gerberding and Steven Aultman did more than an outstanding job, organizing the team, raising funds and awareness for the cause by rounding up an enthusiastic group of participants. Our team knows as Aloha Ohana  (complete with a Hawaiian theme) had at least one walker on the track for the entire 24 hour time period.

The photo on the upper left pictures two of the celebrated survivors, participating in the survivors lap the first of the day, both diagnosed and beating Leukemia! Kristen on the left is a young Mom with two small daughters of her own, both who joined us on Relay Day. Also  Katie on the right, is my seven year-old granddaughter diagnosed at age 5 who is beating cancer herself. Both are living today thanks to advances made in cancer treatment.They, along with other survivors kicked off the event leading the event with a lap of their very own. After wards, throughout the day volunteer participants kept the event alive with taking turns on the track all 24 hours.

Members of the Brea North Mom's Club showed their support by participating as walkers and by providing baked good for the bake sale fund raiser at the event. On a personal note, these are some of the most supportive young women I've ever encountered.  My hats are off to each an every member of the Brea Moms Club North.

After dark we participated in a solemn lap around 9:00 pm,  the lighting of the luminarias in remembrance of loved ones who lost their life to cancer. As we walked in silence and in the dark we were reminded with the glow of each luminaria as names were read out loud over the p.a.system. As you looked up in the stadium seats, you could see the work HOPE a glow, it was a an inspiring for all of us.

Then, once the lights came back on everyone began settling in for the night. Tents were set up earlier in the day for the 24 hour session. Some settled in while others hit the track.

Fortunately I live only a few miles from the high school so I headed home for about 4 hours of sleep. My next session was a quiet one, 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 Sunday morning while most were sleeping. It was a wonderful experience, the early hours were quiet and very peaceful. After the sun was up for a while the energy came alive once again.

Our 24 hours ended with a re-cap of the event and then a celebratory lap with everyone participating. The photos below are just some of our wonderful team, those who gave of themselves to make a difference in the lives of others...MY THANKS TO YOU ALL!

There is no doubt in my mind that we have all been affected by cancer, each and every single one of us. Years ago, while in college my instructor was confident that we would have a cancer cure in ten years...sadly we still see it today, our family and friends of all ages...cancer knows no limits...you don't have to be a smoker, or whatever. Just look into the eyes of a child to know that.

So if you're up to it, I'd encourage you to participate in such a worthwhile event, the Relay For Life in your own back yard, you will be glad you did!