Inspirational People at Relay for Life

This is just a brief posting for the Relay for Life that we attended at Westminster College. Will alter it later when time permits.

This was such a moving experience for me, one that will remain in my heart forever. It's funny to say this, but this illness called cancer is a blessing in disguise from God. Had I not been given this illness, I would never have met such wonderful and inspiring people yesterday and in the past month. Today I was able to spend time with 3 wonderful ladies: Joanne S., Jody K., and Sara who are all breast cancer survivors. As we began the survivors walk, we had to announce our name/type of cancer and how long we had been a survivor. Needless to say, I was the shortest time period of being a survivor. The one that has stuck out in my mind is Sara who is a 20 year old college student at Westminster who is a 3 year survivor of leukemia. She came down with the disease right after her sweet 16th birthday and was undiagnosed for a whole year. Thought it was meningitis. What an inspiring beautiful girl. Actually went to her prom bald with stickers on her head. Such a positive uplifting person. It was on the survivors walk that I came to meet Jody and Sara. After the walk I also was approached by Jody K. (a mother of one of Tim's classmates) as she had heard my name. She had breast cancer 5 years ago and has been through a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Not easy stuff but a very strong woman. Joanne S. (another mother of one of Tim's classmates) is also a breast cancer survivor who met and gave me a hug at the end of the walk. She arrived a bit late due to family obligations. She walked with me the last part of the walk. In talking to these women on and off the track, I learned that wearing of wigs is often uncomfortable and most just went bald or wore scarves. I also learned that there is such strength and power in talking to people through these rough times.

It was such a beautiful day for this rally at Westminster College. I was able to get email addresses and names for my new friends and we will be able to keep in touch with each other. As you can see, cancer is not kind to any age but it sure does make you a stronger person.
The darkness of the evening made it possible to view our lumanaria lights with people's names who have had cancer and are alive, and for ones who are no longer alive. I was able to see lights with my name, Sara's name and Linda G's names. What a great site. The evening ended with fireworks at 10 p.m. It was a long day but a very rewarding day. I took so many pictures but will only post a couple on the blog.