Reflections on Relay for Life 2009

This year's Relay for Life held at Cascades Park in Jackson was a mix of joy and pain - very much like any cancer journey. The event began with a joyous camaraderie as survivors, caregivers, and friends gathered to celebrate life and raise money to advance the fight against cancer. The survivor's tent was buzzing with conversation as inspiring music was presented by a talented young man. Free dinners were passed out. Survivor T-shirts were donned. Other freebies were shared.

Jackson High School junior Emmarie Truman touched us all as with her speech at the opening ceremonies. She described her experiences as a 15 year old diagnosed with brain cancer. She was very eloquent and shared her struggles and victories as a cancer survivor. Her faith in God poured out of her and her words inspired us all. Praise the Lord, she seems to be winning her fight!

There were over 600 participants in the victorious Survivor Lap including one woman who is a 55 year survivor!! Lots of smiles, cheers, and clapping spurred us on as we walked the track. I felt a special victory in my life because last year I had to be pushed in a wheelchair because of side effects of treatment. Thank you Lord for feet to walk on!!! I rejoiced each lap I took!

The Luminary ceremony at dusk was profound as thousands of bags that represented loved ones who had succumbed to this terrible disease and in honor of those still in the fight. During our times of silence I remembered my Dad and prayed for the families of those I have lost this year ... Jean, Kathy, Elliott, Kris & also those who are fighting the disease ... Jean, Tracey, Sue, Priscilla, Dale, Mark, Dave, Jennifer, Mary Ann, Lana, Terry and more. As we walked the track the luminaries were both beautiful and sobering. This is a fight we must continue to engage until victory is won. I felt a sense of gratitude to everyone who made a donation!

I went home to the warmth and comfort of my own home. The event continued and the rain poured down. It was intense at times with thunder and lightening. When we returned in the early afternoon the place had been transformed into a wet muddy mess. Poor groundkeeper! Ruts and mud were abundant and will need to be repaired. Some hardy souls were still walking the track but plans were in the works to end the event early due to abundant rain pouring down and still to come.

It is ironic that such a joyous event can suddenly turn to sadness! Just like our cancer journeys, things don't always happen the way we would choose. A sudden gust of wind called a microburst blew through the area destroying tents including the tent that contained the raffle prizes. Several people were injured although none serious. The raffle tickets were lost and some of the prizes were damaged. The raffle will most likely have to be scrapped causing a dilemma that will have to be settled by the lottery commission.

Joys & sorrows but God will use it all for good! Much money was raised and God willing we will be able to do it all over again next year - minus the rain!!