Relay for Life!

April 2nd and 3rd, 2011

This report is very hard to put into words, but I'm going to try, though I doubt I'll do justice to the topic.

We have known about the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, but have never participated. I don't have an explanation for our lack of participation. Certainly we have loved ones who have battled the illness, endured hardship and pain, and succumbed to its ravages.

During our stay in Marathon, we have had to good fortune to meet and befriend Lee and Dee (About Time). You may have read previously that they taught us to play Bocce Ball. We've shared quips, lunches and dinner with them and we have tried to support their efforts with Relay for Life. 

As we were getting to know them, we learned that Lee is a five time cancer survivor and Dee is a five time care giver. Dee tells a poignant story about Lee's 57th birthday party. It was in an oxygen rich room, in the intensive care unit in their local hospital. Lee was not expected to survive the night. Family and friends had gathered to say their last goodbyes. Dee made arrangements for Food Services to wend up a cup cake, complete with candle, that was to serve as a make shift birthday cake. 

Lee was barely conscious and could barely speak. In his weakened condition, he motioned for Dee to come close, and mustered up enough strength to say, "for goodness sake, don't light the frickin’ candle!" Those words assured the assembled family and friends that Lee might just be able to recover from his illness. Earlier this year, we were honored to attend his 72nd birthday!

Lee and Dee have inspired us to become active participants in the Marathon Relay for Life. We attended the opening ceremony, the Lumenaria Ceremony and to participate in the relay as well. We walked from 2200 to 2300 hours and dedicated Lumenaria in honor of our family members who have succumbed to the disease.  

Tomorrow, we’ll rejoin the the Cruiser's Team at 0630 for Yoga, another hour of walking and the Closing Ceremony. 

We offer our most heart felt thanks to Dee and Lee for awakening our need to join in the good fight!