This is a post from the end of March that has dropped off the visible part of my blog, but I am re-posting it becasue I feel it is important and I would like as many people as possible to see it.
As many of you already are aware, Laureen, Erin and I have been participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event in West Orange, NJ for the past 4 years. Well, last year, I chose to get more involved and joined the planning committee as the Logistics Chairperson, a title I retain this year. Laureen, Erin and I have a great time every year, but get a little lonely out there over the course of the night. We'd love to have an influx of new team members to help us in our fight to raise money and hopefully, one day, eradicate this pernicious disease that has affected us all in one way or another.
The event, in a nutshell, is an all-night fundraiser. It is held at West Orange High School at their track, and the goal is to have at least one member of your team walking around the track at all times during the night. We lead off the night with a celebration of the Cancer Survivors present at the event... they take the first lap as a triumphant group to the rousing cheers of the more than 1000 people assembled. The next lap is devoted to the Survivors' Caregivers, who walk a lap with their Survivor loved-ones, once again with the cheers of over a thousand people as their backdrop. Then the teams join them on the track, and the entire "Community" (I say community because that's what you become that night, 1000+ souls all united, working together towards one common goal) begins to "Relay".
I hesitate to use the word "Party", because of the seriousness and respect afforded to the very real, insidious disease to which this event is pledged, but for much of the event, a party-like atmosphere pervaids the track and the areas immediately around it. At past events, there have been DJ's, a bounce house, clowns, and a dunk tank for the kids present, fire engines, refreshments (available for a small donation to benefit, what else, the ACS Relay For Life), dance troupes, live bands, themed laps (like a silly hat lap), and probably many more things that I am forgetting to list. And if that stuff sounds fun, trust me, this year will be even better. Why? Well, for starters, this is the 5-year anniversary of the first Relay in West Orange, so we are pulling out all the stops. I'm afraid I can't reveal all of the details, but trust me... on the evening of June 19th, in Northern NJ, there will not be a more happening place to be (OK... OK... maybe I'm overselling it... but only by a tiny bit, I assure you). It's really fun. Come check it out.
Of course, even with all the fun, we never lose sight of the importance of our cause. Every week, in Essex County, NJ alone, 74 people are diagnosed with some form of cancer. To me, that is a mind-boggling number. That's one county over the course of one week. Take a second and think about that......
Now, extrapolate that over an entire state, over the course of a year. Or go nationwide. The numbers are downright frightening. Of course, the spectre of cancer claims friends, loved ones, neighbors, and aquaintances every year. I have never met a person who has not been touched by cancer in some way, it is just that prevalent.In keeping with the very serious nature of the disease and what it means to our "Community" gathered at the track on the day of the event, we have a very poignant, moving ceremony after dark where we light over a thousand Luminaries lining the track, either In Honor Of Survivors of cancer or In Remembrance Of a Loved One taken by cancer. These lighted bags are so much more than a paper bag, a candle, and some sand. Each bag is a symbol... a symbol of love, respect, support (for the Survivors), and commemoration (for those lost to cancer). Most of all, they are hope... over a thousand beacons of hope... hope that there is a cure out there somewhere, and that with enough outreach, advocacy, elbow grease, and of course funds, we will find it (and sooner rather than later).
So please, if you're still with me, and you've taken the time to read this far, then join our team, raise some money, and take part in our event. Or, if you are unable or not interested in joining the team, then please take just a few minutes more, and check out my donation page for Relay: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/john_e_mcdermott
Literally every dollar we collect brings us closer to a cure! Thank you for your love and support!
No comments:
Post a Comment