On Friday, June 2, I was proud to join hundreds of other community members in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Orange County, at the Ruritan Club in Efland, N.C.
This was my first time participating in a Relay For Life, though it’s something I’d been wanting to do for a while. I’m all about efforts that incorporate walking and a good cause — especially one that has affected my family.
As a volunteer, I also assisted in ways that I could help with the event. Since I have a communications background, that included doing the news releases and photography, and I was excited to be able to contribute in this way. It’s been a year since I left my director of communications position at the university, and as long since I’d publicized and covered an event. I’ve done a lot of that in my career, and it felt good to be “back in the saddle” with that.
Funds raised help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.
The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. We celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. During Relay For Life events, teams take turns walking or running around the track or path. Teams also participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
In my speech, I said:
Chances are, you’re here because you are a survivor or you know someone who has battled the disease. In my case, I have lost relatives and friends to cancer, as you probably have as well. And while we grieve those losses, we see HOPE because we also know many people who have had successful outcomes, thanks to the amazing progress in medical research and services. My dad is a recent survivor of lung and prostate cancer. In both cases, his was caught very early on, quickly treated with surgery, and he had a full recovery thanks to advances in detection and treatment.
Events like the Relay For Life help raise the funds for much-needed research and services. I’m glad I was able to join my community in supporting this effort.
Have you ever participated in a Relay For Life, or another walking or running event for a cause? Please share in the comments!
©Michelle Rogers, Inc.
