Relay for Life 2011

It's a fact that every single one of us has been affected by cancer in one way shape or form. Whether it was a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a cousin, niece or nephew, a sibling, a parent, or you. I know I have. I've known several people along the way who have been hit by the illness we all hope and pray we one day do not have to deal with.

My grandmother had it, my grandfather had it, both of my step-grandparents had it or are dealing with it now, my uncle had it, and my own step mother (she despises that word, so in my family we say other mother), had it. Thankfully, most of them fought through the long days and are here today to tell their stories. Unfortunately, some of them are not with us anymore.

If you have never experienced a Relay For Life event, I highly recommend you do so. This is one of the most inspiring events I go to each year, and it really makes you feel whole knowing you're doing something to make a difference. This is actually the first year my dad and I participated as actual walkers. Usually, we're behind the DJ booth, but since dad retired last year, he handed down the throne. We both saw Relay in a completely different light this year.

Here are a few images from this year's Relay, which was held July 9th and 10th at Niles High School. Please, if you get the chance, attend next year's event. Not only will you be raising money for one of the best causes in this country, but you will walk away with a whole new outlook on life. Trust me!











My father, "other mother"(who beat breast cancer) and me.

Relay is super kid friendly, with plenty of events for the kiddos throughout the day and night!

Darin, who is the manager of the Recruiting department at Express-1, the company I work for, taking his walk around the track. He organized this year's Relay for our company and plans to do so for years to come.

Michelle making our glow sticks sign. We sold glow sticks for $2, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society, of course!

I made a new friend!

The luminary event is one of the most touching events of the day. At nightfall, luminary bags are lit in honor of those who lost their battle. The bag on the left is in honor of my grandmother, whom I never met. She lost her battle with lung cancer when my dad was just 13. The bag on the right is in honor of Johnny Brawley, "The Fighting Toad," who lost his battle last year. Johnny was also an employee at Express-1.