It was just a year ago that I attended the Relay for Life after Jess and Darci's wedding and at that time I was still recovering from my surgery
. Now one year later, I walked the event as "a cancer survivor". This meant that I was 1 of 300 cancer survivors that started out the festivities by walking the openeing lap of the ceremony. We were led by the Sioux Falls Color guard and a drum corp. As we walked the first lap they read the names of all the survivors and it was really neat becasue just as I crossed the finished line they read my name. They also had cheerleaders performing tower stunts as the end of the lap so we "walked through them" at the end of the lap as they cheered us on.
All survivors were given purple balloons and as we all crossed the finished line 300 balloons were let go into the air. After that we were treated to a supper in the survivor tent and listened to seminars on cancer. During this time my friends walked the laps outside and I joined them about 8:30.
. Now one year later, I walked the event as "a cancer survivor". This meant that I was 1 of 300 cancer survivors that started out the festivities by walking the openeing lap of the ceremony. We were led by the Sioux Falls Color guard and a drum corp. As we walked the first lap they read the names of all the survivors and it was really neat becasue just as I crossed the finished line they read my name. They also had cheerleaders performing tower stunts as the end of the lap so we "walked through them" at the end of the lap as they cheered us on. All survivors were given purple balloons and as we all crossed the finished line 300 balloons were let go into the air. After that we were treated to a supper in the survivor tent and listened to seminars on cancer. During this time my friends walked the laps outside and I joined them about 8:30.
Then at 9:30 they held the lumiany ceremoy where they had a lady speak about her son that she lost to cancer and then they started lighting all the luminaries along the track. They asked us at that time to walk one lap in silence in memory of everyone who had died of this disease.
After that they started the games, movies, and entertainment to get everyone through the night. the closing ceremony was at 6AM on Saturday morning. I didn't stay that late but thought i'd post some pictures of the event.
Thanks everyone for helping me through the last year! I love each and every one of you and you all helped my in your own special way. Vonda
1 comment:
Vonda,
I did this in Pella a few years ago and myself and a few friends walked in memory of Laura Hessing. It was a very emotional thing to do.
I would love to do that with you some year. Maybe next year tell me the dates ahead of time and maybe I could make it down for that.
You are doing so well that sometimes it's hard to believe you actually had cancer. We are very blessed when so many others stories did not end in joy. We are thankful and grateful your story ended in celebration!
Love you'
Arla
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