Relay for Life....changed my life

When I joined a relay team I had no clue the impact it would have on me.  I wanted my own team, but I also know my limitations and the weakness the chemo inflicts on me.  I know the turmoil one feels to hear at the age of 40, you have a rare type of leukemia.  I have cried, listened to my children cry as they worry about me, and cheerfully fight the best I can.  I have been so extremely ill that I had to crawl to the bathroom and drinking water has been a major feat. So I know firsthand how horrible this ordeal can be.  I wanted to do something, make an impact, and fight!

ME...the CML Warrior

So, I joined Simplot's team.  A great team with a bunch of awesome people working their butt's off to raise money for ACS.   I recruited my awesome little sister and my cousin.   I started pretty late in the game, bur for 5 weeks, I asked for donations, sold bracelets and sent numerous emails.  I had a luminary party and with my sister and friend we made luminaries to honor our loved ones fighting and one for Johns uncle who lost his battle.  When the day arrived I eagerly began my new journey as a "relayer."  So, for an amazing 24 hour period, I was delivering balloons, decorating, getting prepared, celebrating, walking, and helping clean up.  My time walking and celebrating was spent thinking of others, especially my Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle fighting and my uncles and cousin who have lost their battle!  I also met so many awesome fighters and supporters.

My joy was when my dear friend who has supported me from day one, lead an amazing group of our students in the choir she began at our school.  Her tiny speech of how Cancer was personal to us because of my battle made my heart burst!   I did not know how many people were watching, but when she had me stand up I could barely see through the tears as their performance was dedicated to me!  I am humbled and extremely honored!  At the end of their inspiring and emotionally moving performance I went to congratulate them.  IT was one of the most moving moments of my life, when an impromptu group hug of about 25 of my students embraced me!  There are NO words to explain what I felt.

I made my first survivor lap and it was a joy as I tried to think of the past 5 months I have battled this monster trying to take over my body!  I was overjoyed and touched by emotion as I watched so many people walk.  As my husband met me on the other side, I realized it was just part of this journey.  What a great strength SO many people are.  I was in awe as I saw people pushing walkers, wheelchairs, holding small toddlers fighting, and children battling, all walking together for an amazing cause.  My favorite was the lighting of the luminaries and my chance to think about my family fighting and why I fight: for an amazing hubby and my 3 boys.

As the night ended and dawn broke, survivors, fighters, and supporters kept walking.  I saw many limping, hobbling, and running.  Again, ALL for an amazing cause.  As the relay closed I felt triumphant and pretty darn tired too.

Honoring my Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle ALL fighting!

I learned that I am stronger than I thought and this journey we are all one is truly an amazing one!  I cherish each moment I have and am in awe and encouraged by all of those fighting!