Freedom Park - 11 June 2011
Celebrate our Survivors
Remember those that we lost
Fight Back against cancer.
At 12 noon on Saturday, June 11th the Relay For Life of Medford commenced. This 24 hour event symbolized the struggle and fight against cancer. The opening ceremonies spoke to why we Relay and to honor our survivors.
Our Survivors are living symbols of HOPE. Each survivor has a tale of sadness, pain, struggle, anger, fight and determination to tell in their battle against cancer. These tales all come together to form a blanket of hope. They are examples to those who have just heard the dreaded words “you have cancer” – “They say you are not alone!” - They say “we stand here with you!”
Why We Relay: Relay is more than just a fundraiser. It is an event where Survivors, Care Givers, and those that have lost loved one can come together not just to raise money but to raise awareness and to raise the battle cry to fight back. We all share the common bond of how cancer has impacted our lives. We meet new friends; we share our sorrow, grief, joy and loss. We congratulate those who have beat cancer and console those who have lost someone to cancer. We all share a common dream where cancer will no longer threaten the live of those we love.
The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most moving events of the day. The lights are out, it is dark and quiet. Around the track are glowing, flickering bags of love. Each Luminaria represents a loved one. They are in honor of, or in memory of someone who has fought cancer. As we take each step around the track, ”it is a time to reflect on our experiences and those special people we’ve shared them with, a celebration of today and of those with us on the track and in our hearts, and a step forward in our fight back toward a brighter tomorrow.”*
I’ve been Relaying for eight years now. Each year it gets more and more personal. Each year I meet more people that are diagnosed and I meet more people that have lost someone to this disease. Three years ago next month I heard the doctor tell my mom “you have cancer”. Those three small words (13 characters) were so powerfully devastating and life changing. Those three words mode me realize what life is all about. It’s about being with the people you love - your family and friends. Those three words made me more determined to fight. Those three words and the way my mom dealt and is dealing with them makes me proud to be her son. She is my hero of hope. That is why I Relay!
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