Another Luminary

First, I'd like to extend my sympathies to my friend S.  (I've been referring to her as S.Elf during the holidays, but with Christmas passed, we can go back to S.)

S. lost her youngest brother to cancer a few days ago.  She's always come across as being tight with her siblings.  If her little brother was anything like S., then he must have been a wonderful guy.  I know a lot of kind and caring folks, but I don't know any that are moreso than she is.

Her family had been hopeful.  Her little brother had only one more treatment to get through.  But, as often happens when fighting the cancer beast, infection set in.  Cancer, and the side effects of chemo and radiation never play by the rules. 

I know so many who lost their fight.  But, I know several who beat it too.  Our mutual friend Marilyn is sitting only a short distance away from me while I write this.  Marilyn lost her husband to cancer a few years ago.  Marilyn is working toward's her degree in respiratory therapy.  She's with us on the job at night, and in class during the day.  She's 40, and she's a cancer surivivor.

This spring's Relay For Life will have more luminaries on the track.  Some of the names written on them would likely be familiar to you if you were to see them.  The reasons keep mounting to do the Relay.  The reasons are people.  People who are sick, their loved ones who maintain hope, and the ones who are going to beat it and survive.

Dying isn't a bad word.  But cancer is.  I've never been sure which would be worse.  Living with cancer, or dying from it.  I only know that I hate it.  I hate the fear it instills in it's victims, I hate the awful things they have to go through when trying to survive.  And, victims of cancer aren't just those diagnosed with it.

I hope this year's Relay is packed.  And, I hope if someone approaches you for a monetary pledge you'll give it, if you have it to spare.  Even if it's a tiny amount it helps.  Tiny amounts add up to bigger amounts.  Bigger amounts buy time, and knowledge.  Time is a precious commodity when you've been told you may not have very much of it and the countdown begins.

Even if you can't walk the track, you can participate.  You can sit in your team's campsite, keeping an eye on things, manning the cooler and snacks, being verbally supportive and smiling or sharing a word of support with the Relayers as they pass your area.  Emotional support for the Relayers, both the ones who are healthy and the ones who are fighting to get healthy, means a great deal. 

Just being there with a smile on your face and a prayer in your heart makes a difference.  People notice.  It encourages them.  It helps people fight harder and dissuades them from giving up.

If you haven't participated in a Relay before, I believe you'll be surprised to find that the difference you discover will probably start in you.

There are Relays going on all over the U.S. and many other countries throughout the year.  I hope you'll take the time to research the schedule and consider being a part of a team in your area, or even making your own team and lending a hand.  Or a foot.  Or better yet, two feet and two hands and however many more you can gather up to help you walk for a cure.  And, if you can't walk the track, as I said, a smile and a prayer is still a great way to make an impact and be supportive.

Relay For Life ( <----- click here for more information)

Thank you for the read.

God bless and be safe,

femmeflashpoint