CANCER SUCKS!

I can't remember how long we've been doing this relay but it's been a while. I don't think the kids and I have missed a year but the guest of honor has a couple of times for fishing tournaments. This year we were all together! Normally the Conroe group joins in with the Woodlands group and we combine our efforts. This year with the vision and leadership of two of OUR team leaders, we had our own Conroe Celebration!

It's really a neat event. Especially for those touched by cancer. And it's rare to find someone who hasn't been touched by cancer. Whether it be a family members fight or a close friend, we've all seen the torture that cancer brings! Just yesterday our friend, Russell Cecil, lost his dad to cancer. It's an ugly disease that needs a cure. Our story started in August of 2000 when Calli was 5 months old and Wes was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It will be 11 years this August that he has been able to wear that purple SURVIVOR shirt and boy are we ever thankful. But many have a story that doesn't end as happy as ours. Last July, Wes lost his uncle (Eggward) that proved to be tough on even Colson. Wes' dad has also had cancer.

The purpose of the relay is to create awareness and RAISE money to FIND A CURE!!! The Conroe group with 72 teams and almosts 1000 participants, raised over $125,000! They have many special things that take place during the night and some are symbolic of cancer. For example, one member of your team member is supposed to be walking the track at all times even throughout the night because Cancer never sleeps. They have a survivor lap where the survivors walk the track in their purple shirts and the caregivers walk the opposite way on the track, meet them halfway and then turn around and walk the rest of the way with the survivors.

It's a fun time for a GREAT cause! My kids have a BLAST every year....they would choose relay over ANYTHING else fun. In fact....Calli did this year. She missed a birthday party to go to relay.

  

 
Calli, Mrs. Bodak (her teacher) and Carson Coker.