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Relay for Life Events
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It's a blessing to be invited to participate each year in song!
This year it was my honor to be invited to sing for 30 minutes and give my testimony of cancer survival! I cannot put into the words the honor and the humbleness I felt at this invitation!
There were over 500 walkers (many more in attendance) and $75,000 was raised to be donated to the American Cancer Society! Luminary candles were sold as part of the event. The candles were lit in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who have died from cancer. 2,500 luminaries lined the track!
I LOVE THIS!My daughter plans to make such a T-shirt for each of her girls! |
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Singing at the 2001 Relay for Life |
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As I sing, two buddies, (l-r) Jarrod Elliott and Ben Elliott, look on!Little Jarrod Elliott is a cancer survivor of nearly one year and gave a brief testimony of his joy in surviving! |
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Here I am with my good friend and sister in Christ, Linda Wilson.Linda Wilson and I go way back! Her daughter Tiffeny used to stay with me at night while her Mom worked and went to school from my house. Now she is grown! Linda is also a breast cancer survivor! Her cancer was far worse than mine and before I ever had my cancer. She is a very brave woman and I am very proud to have her in both my Christian family and my Cancer family! NOTE: Carol has since lost dear friend, Linda, when she battled her third fight with breast cancer. Linda is missed terribly! |
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I introduce myself as a cancer survivor - 2000 Relay for LifeJust before the Cancer Survivor Lap (first lap of the evening), each survivor is asked to step forward, introduce themselves and tell what kind of cancer they experienced and how long they have been a survivor. |
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Releasing the Purple Balloons!Cancer survivors are each given a purple balloon and at the end of the Survivor's Lap, the balloons are released into the air, symbolizing our freedom from cancer! |
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My daughter, Charlene, and I walk the lap for survivors and their families!Charlene was 10 years old when I found out I had breast cancer. Her first question was, "Mommy, does this mean you're going to die?" How scarey it must be for children when they find out their parent or guardian has this dreaded disease! Please, lift our children up in prayer who are going through the trauma's of cancer either themselves or their loved one. |
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Bo Matthews is a leading DJ for St. Louis WIL Radio StationI had the pleasure of meeting Bo Matthews, an on-fire spokesperson for Cancer Awareness, who is a DJ for WIL radio station! His shaved head is to honor the St. Jude's Kids! Charlene and her friends met him as well and he asked them if they'd like to be interviewed "on air" and, of course, they were all for that!! After he talked with them about why they were at the Relay, he told them to find a radio and they could hear the interview in five minutes!! They rushed off to my van to listen and, sure enough, they heard themselves on WIL! It was a really neat experience for them! Thank you, Bo, for your concern and energy in making people more cancer aware! We appreciate you! |
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Charlene and her friendsCharlene spent the night at the Relay with her friends and took her turns walking around the track. They had a wonderful time and helped set up the luminaries around the track. |
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Singing at the 2000 Relay for LifeI was asked to sing for 30 minutes....and that I did....even through the rain! The rain didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirits! Everyone just kept on keepin' on with what they were supposed to do! It was GREAT! |
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Delivering my testimony!Although you really can't see me very well, I was there....telling everyone about my experience with cancer. Set the mood....all the lights are out and I'm ready by "flashlight" the tears,fears and yes, even joys, of my cancer. Over 500 people and yet it is so quiet. After I spoke, two others talked....each of us a different story, yet a common bond. At the end of the testimonies, everyone in attendance is given a candle to burn and carry around the track. As we walk, in darkness with only the glow of candles in our hands and lit luminary bags lining the track to direct our way, names of all the 2,500 luminary memorials are read. It is truly an awesome sight and feeling to be surrounded by the spirits of so many! |
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Here I am, with my daughters Sara and Charlene!Walking those laps as we carry candles and hearing the names of the memorials read, it is truly a humbling feeling to know I have been allowed to survive this disease for almost four years. I do not know what tomorrow holds, but for now I am so thankful to share this moment with my family. |
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Here you can get a bit of a glimpse of the luminary candles!The 2,500 luminary candles circled the track almost twice! |
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