Relay for life… Day 862 26MAR11

Alecia who is Joshua's aunt is part of a relay for life team this year and was walking in honor of Joshua. If you are not familiar with Relay here is a brief overview from their website:

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, the American Cancer Society continues to save lives.

Relay starts with a Survivors Lap – a inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year – like those of each individual on the track. We also recognize and celebrate caregivers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who face cancer. At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed.

We went out to spend the afternoon walking with and supporting Alecia and all the other participants who were there. Miss Allie and Jamie came as well as Renee's mom and dad. Emma and her family were there as well. Joshua rode around the track in a wheel chair and even got to spend a little time with Carly who came with her parents. It was a great event and we really enjoyed being a part of the beginning. We left late in the afternoon but the relayers will be there all night continuing the walk.
Allie and Jamie came home with us and we enjoyed their company until late in the evening. Allie is turning into quite a cute toddler and never ceases to put a smile on our faces. We finished our long day off with a victory from the Lightning who were playing the same team away that they played at home last night.

Our little Miss Allie

Jamie made this fantastic shirt to wear!

Joshua with grandma who is a 6 year survivor!

Joshua with Miss Chrisi and grandma