The Relay for Life started in America in the 1980's and last year Donegal held it's first one. The events which are now global involve a 24 hour walking relay for which people raise funds in support of the fight against cancer.
This is a great way to celebrate the lives of those who have battled against cancer, remember those who have lost their fight against cancer and those who are fighting cancer.
Last year I was asked by a work colleague to help out at this event and I didn't hesitate to say yes because we all know someone who has been affected in some way by this illness and it's good to give something back no matter how small.
You can check out the website here and there is some video footage from last years hugely successful event.
In 2008 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I will never forget that day when my father phoned me to tell me the news. I felt like someone had ripped my heart out of my chest and if he had told me she had died I couldn't have felt grief like it, it sounds silly now that I'm writing it but I can't think of any other way to explain it.
It makes you see life from a whole different perspective and appreciate what you have so much more.
Thankfully my mother survived and is doing well.
This year again I will be dedicating some time over Saturday and Sunday to help out at this inspiring event.
One thing that sticks out in my mind from last year was the overwhelming support and the amount of people who were wearing purple t-shirts were all survivors of cancer, it was staggering, all ages from children right up to elderly.
One of the highlights of the Relay for Life event is the Candle of Hope ceremony which will take place on Saturday night.
This is where people who have been affected by cancer and those who have lost their battle with cancer are honoured. The candles are lit and each one bears the name of a person touched by cancer and a lap of silence is completed to remember and take time to reflect.
You can see last years ceremony here and I think you will agree that it is deeply moving.
So yesterday I received an email notification that Suzanne from 3 Children and It is hosting a blog hop in support of Emma from Crazy with Twins who is in hospital and undergoing cancer treatment.
The timing of this post is appropriate because I was putting it on my blog today. Whilst I don't know Emma but I read her blog I have bought a candle especially for her and it will be lit in her honour tomorrow night and the Candle of Hope ceremony.
Each candle is numbered and this one below has Emma's name on it.
I will be keeping her in my thoughts and wishing her a speedy recovery back to her family.
She is an inspiration to all of us.
- See more at: http://www.3childrenandit.com/2013/05/for-emma-s2s2d.html#sthash.6ESyZSoh.dpuf
That's wonderful! thank you do much for joining in the link and having a candle for Emma!
ReplyDeleteAnd what an amazing event to be part of!
Thanks Mary its great what you are all doing for Emma. I'm just home from our relay event and its hugely successful again this year despite the rain, hopefully tomorrow will be just a s big. There was well over 2000 candles lit tonight which was amazing and lots of cancer survivors taking part all through the relay.
DeleteAh this is so lovely, I got goose bumps reading it, I am sure that Emma will feel really blessed. I am so glad to hear that your mum is doing well too. I can't imagine what you must have gone through x
ReplyDeleteWow that's incredible. I feel really honoured and quite choked up that you would do this for me. That is such a beautiful idea. I am so so pleased that your mum is doing well.
ReplyDeleteCancer is a cruel and evil hell on earth. If only someone could find the cure.
Thankyou for getting involved with #S2S2D and doing such an amazing thing for me. Xx
Your so welcome its just a small gesture I'm glad you like it, I have seen overwhelming support this evening for people affected by cancer and hopefully all the fundraising and hard work will pay off some day when there s finally a cure take care xx
DeleteAw thanks Suzanne I think people don't think too much about it until its on their own doorstep. I'm just back from the relay event tonight and I can't believe how many small children I've seen this evening who have all been affected by cancer it's so sad to see but great that they have come through the other side. It's a great community event.
ReplyDeleteThat's so beautiful, what a lovely gesture. Must be a really moving event to attend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah it was a really good event this year great to see it so well supported again.
DeleteWhat a lovely post and it must help you to help with these events and support the community. I attended a breast cancer fundraiser with my mother-in-law when she was undergoing treatment and was so amazed at the positive and supportive atmosphere. Everyone was so brave and it was very moving. I hope the event was good and I am glad to hear that your Mother is well x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Hayley, it was another great event this year and your so right that people are so positive and there is a great atmosphere. My mum has been cancer free now for almost 5 years so we are thankful for that. Hope your mother-in-law is doing well also x
DeleteWhat fantastic timing and what a beautiful thing to do. I can only imagine how moving it must be to be a part of. My Mum has had breast cancer twice now and the last time she had to have a mastectomy. I am thankful every day that she is still here. Thanks for linking xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Tori it was a great event. I'm glad your mother is doing well that's such a big thing to go through I think it definitely brings you closer and makes you appreciate time spent together.
ReplyDelete