Why I Participate in a Relay Event
Because on January 13, 2013, the most wonderful man I have ever known, died from pancreatic cancer. My partner in life and love fought that dreaded disease for more than 2 years. For more than two years he endured surgery and constant radiation and chemotherapy treatments. For more than two years he never complained but held his head high and lived a dignified life filled with love and grace. If that man, my husband, could fight that hard for that long, then I owe it to him to do whatever I can to help others not have to feel that pain. Because I know I will make a difference in the fight to end cancer. I know that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event, I will help save lives from cancer. I do it to honor Joe Lupton and the strength and dignity that he exemplified in life. I do it to honor my mother who died of colon cancer in 1997. I do it to honor my colleague Cathy Walker who fought colon cancer in 2013 and won. I do it to honor Paxton Phelps who has bravely fought leukemia this past year and taught all of us what real courage is as he continues his battle, heading towards victory. (Go Team Paxton!)
It's astounding to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. I know from personal experience that when that happens, life as you know it is changed forever. Mine was.
A Relay For Life event is not only a way to join my community to fight back against cancer, but it is also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease. All of us know someone who has had, or has a form of this dreaded disease. That is overwhelming to me. A disease is so prevalent in our society, that all of us have been touched by it in some way.
Who I'm Participating For
My reason for participating in my Relay For Life event is very personal. It is for the most important person that ever was a part of my life. It is for my partner and husband. We all participate in Relay events because we've been affected by cancer in some way and because a Relay For Life event gives us the power to make a difference and fight back. This is my opportunity to honor Joe and the incredible impact he had on so many lives. He was loved by so many. Influenced so many. He should be here. He should be physically walking beside me in this event. However, pancreatic cancer took him much too soon. So I will be there and carry him in my heart and throughout my very being throughout the night and the rest of my life.
I have signed up to walk and fundraise in the Leesville/Briercreek/RTP Relay For Life event. I hope you will consider making a donation in support of my efforts. Or come join me. It is one of the most rewarding nights you can ever had. Last year we laughed alot, we cried alot and we walked alot. Walking last year was the impetus for me making radical lifestyle changes: excercise, diet and attitude. Now I am more than 50 lbs lighter and will probably run some of the laps this year! The event is filled with empathy, grace and fellowship. If you haven't participated in one, consider it. You will not regret it. (Unless it rains!!)
Together, we have the power to help create a world where cancer can no longer claim another life.
For my Joe. Joe Lupton. 2/11/1956 - 1/13/2013
If you are feeling even remotely generous, please visit my Relay for Life page HERE . You can contribute by credit card online or you can print up a donation sheet and mail a check. If you write a check, be sure and make it out to The American Cancer Society. The information needed to identify the event I am participating in is on my page. Once again, you can access the page by clicking HERE.
Last year I far exceeded by primary goal. I hope to do so again this year. But it isn't about coming in first, second or third (which I did last year by the way out of approximately 300 participants...but whose counting, right?). It's about raising money to fund research and creating awareness of this overwhelming disease and the need to find better treatment and ultimately cures.
Here is link to the Luminaria walk from last year: LUMINARIA WALK - RELAY FOR LIVE 2013
Thank you for the consideration and for your support.
Because on January 13, 2013, the most wonderful man I have ever known, died from pancreatic cancer. My partner in life and love fought that dreaded disease for more than 2 years. For more than two years he endured surgery and constant radiation and chemotherapy treatments. For more than two years he never complained but held his head high and lived a dignified life filled with love and grace. If that man, my husband, could fight that hard for that long, then I owe it to him to do whatever I can to help others not have to feel that pain. Because I know I will make a difference in the fight to end cancer. I know that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event, I will help save lives from cancer. I do it to honor Joe Lupton and the strength and dignity that he exemplified in life. I do it to honor my mother who died of colon cancer in 1997. I do it to honor my colleague Cathy Walker who fought colon cancer in 2013 and won. I do it to honor Paxton Phelps who has bravely fought leukemia this past year and taught all of us what real courage is as he continues his battle, heading towards victory. (Go Team Paxton!)
It's astounding to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. I know from personal experience that when that happens, life as you know it is changed forever. Mine was.
A Relay For Life event is not only a way to join my community to fight back against cancer, but it is also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease. All of us know someone who has had, or has a form of this dreaded disease. That is overwhelming to me. A disease is so prevalent in our society, that all of us have been touched by it in some way.
Who I'm Participating For
My reason for participating in my Relay For Life event is very personal. It is for the most important person that ever was a part of my life. It is for my partner and husband. We all participate in Relay events because we've been affected by cancer in some way and because a Relay For Life event gives us the power to make a difference and fight back. This is my opportunity to honor Joe and the incredible impact he had on so many lives. He was loved by so many. Influenced so many. He should be here. He should be physically walking beside me in this event. However, pancreatic cancer took him much too soon. So I will be there and carry him in my heart and throughout my very being throughout the night and the rest of my life.
I have signed up to walk and fundraise in the Leesville/Briercreek/RTP Relay For Life event. I hope you will consider making a donation in support of my efforts. Or come join me. It is one of the most rewarding nights you can ever had. Last year we laughed alot, we cried alot and we walked alot. Walking last year was the impetus for me making radical lifestyle changes: excercise, diet and attitude. Now I am more than 50 lbs lighter and will probably run some of the laps this year! The event is filled with empathy, grace and fellowship. If you haven't participated in one, consider it. You will not regret it. (Unless it rains!!)
Together, we have the power to help create a world where cancer can no longer claim another life.
For my Joe. Joe Lupton. 2/11/1956 - 1/13/2013
If you are feeling even remotely generous, please visit my Relay for Life page HERE . You can contribute by credit card online or you can print up a donation sheet and mail a check. If you write a check, be sure and make it out to The American Cancer Society. The information needed to identify the event I am participating in is on my page. Once again, you can access the page by clicking HERE.
Last year I far exceeded by primary goal. I hope to do so again this year. But it isn't about coming in first, second or third (which I did last year by the way out of approximately 300 participants...but whose counting, right?). It's about raising money to fund research and creating awareness of this overwhelming disease and the need to find better treatment and ultimately cures.
Here is link to the Luminaria walk from last year: LUMINARIA WALK - RELAY FOR LIVE 2013
Thank you for the consideration and for your support.
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