Ryan and I had the awesome opportunity to participate on a team for this year’s Relay for Life. Ryan’s Aunt Monica and his grandfather have been on the Friends for Relay team for several years now helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Ryan’s Grandma Ruby past away from cancer last year so he really wanted to be there for the 2013 event in support of the family and this wonderful matriarch. Unfortunately with a wedding the next day, we couldn’t stay for the whole thing. But this year we were able to commit to the whole event and be a part of the team too!

Every year the event has a theme. This year’s theme was “Movies” so our team chose to portray the Oscars. The girls dressed up in formal gowns and the guys wore tshirt tuxes. I acted as the paparazzi for our group of celebrities and ran around taking pictures. (Not something completely unfamiliar to me haha) One of the things I think is so interesting about Relay for Life is the symbolism of the all-night walk:

They talk about how we start during the day when the sun is shining much like the energetic cheery state of life. But as it gets darker in the evening this is when a patient is first diagnosed with cancer. Between 1 or 2 am participants start to feel tired and may want to take a break or go home, much like a cancer patient during treatment. With each passing hour you feel more tired and ready to stop the walk. By 4 or 5 am participants are truly exhausted but can begin to see the light, much like a cancer patient as they approach the end of their treatment. The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient and the morning light brings on a new day full of life and excitement for new beginnings.

I love this idea and what it represents. But what I love more is the support of everyone at this event. We had friends on various teams at this event and though we are all competing against each other – there was love and friendship between all who were there.

Ryan and I were pretty exhausted on the drive home on Saturday morning but I think we are both thrilled to have gotten to participate in this event. Cancer is something that has effected people we both love dearly so to be able to do this simple thing to help raise money for cancer research makes the late night, the long walk, and the tired drive home all worth it! I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and the fun it will bring!

Here’s just a little glimpse at our 2014 Relay for Life experience!