My Mom (in wheel chair), with my Dad and Cousin Jackie
Last week, I participated in the Relay For Life of Medford, NJ. My company, Coldwell Banker Elite, was one of the “Fight Back” sponsors. I was asked to represent the company and talk about why I Relay. This is what I said.
My Relay Story
I will never forget my first Relay. I had just joined Coldwell Banker Elite Realtors, as a sales associate. I didn’t know what Relay was but the company was asking for people to take shifts and walk the track. I chose the 2am – 3am shift. I arrived just before 2am and was amazed by the energy and dedication of the people walking the track. I was hooked!
The next year we formed a team in Medford at Lenape High school. While I raised money, up until this point no one in my immediate family had been diagnosed with cancer and I didn’t yet have a full understanding just what Relay was about.
Boy was I about to get a lesson. The beginning of the next year, my cousin was diagnosed. I watched helplessly as the cancer took its toll. That year I dedicated Relay to her but in September, she lost her battle. It was at that point that I made the decision to do more. I became team captain and started to raise more money and awareness and learn about ACS. Over the next few years several other family members have been diagnosed, treated and are doing well. Three years ago, a good friend’s mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and lost her battle. Just a few short months ago, we lost one of our own, a dear co-worker and friend who was full of life.
It really hit home for me on July 2, 2008, I sat in the doctor’s office and heard the doctor tell my mom “you have cancer”. “You have cancer” just three words, fittingly 13 characters. So powerful- So life altering! Mom was diagnosed with stage IIIc ovarian cancer. She went through three rounds of chemo, surgery then more chemo. She was ok for a while then we discovered that the cancer was back. Since then she has been on several different chemos and treatments. Through it all, she has been determined, positive and an inspiration. I have never been so proud of anyone in my life. The last few months have been difficult. Mom was in and out of the hospital a few times and I received the advanced course in caregiving. Today was Mom’s 3rd Relay and in December will be her 4th Birthday!
This is my 8th Relay and my resolve is stronger than ever to Fight Back! When I first came to Relay, I didn’t realize its power. Over the last few years, I met friends for life, inspirational people, survivors, caregivers, team captains and participants. We all have similar stories, similar experiences and similar desires. We desire a world with no cancer and more birthdays. Together, we have the power to Fight Back and make that a reality.
This is something that is important to me and that I am passionate about. Over the last several years I have been part of the planning committee and next year co-chair. This event is emotional, fun, sad, happy and heartwarming. Please go to http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/findevent and find an event near you!
