Relay For Life 2013

Relay For Life 2013 was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Those 24 hours were filled with hard work, tears, laughter, paint, a significant loss of hair (I donated 8'' to locks of love), and circles around the track; all of which are memories I will never forget. Exceeding my goal and raising $530 makes me so happy, and I could not have done it without the support of my wonderful friends and family. I appreciate all the money everyone has donated to help fight cancer. I'm so glad I got to experience this event with my teammates , friends, and wonderful committee they all mean so much to me. Thanks to all of you, we are that much closer to kissing cancer goodbye!

My lovely field hockey team. Four of us donated our hair!

The event was incredible! I can't even to begin to put words to the feelings that relay gives you.  The event was so meaningful and touched my heart.  The Remembering ceremony was emotional. We turn the lights out in the gym so it is pitch black.  One of the student's at my school read a touching story of how she remembers losing her father.  Next, somebody spoke and said if you are fighting for a parent light your candle now, for a grand parent light your candle now, for a friend light your candle now, etc.  As each was announced a different set of lights turned on around the track, lighting up all of the luminaries.  Then everyone took about three- five silent laps around the track to remember those who we have lost to cancer.  This was really emotional, walking around the track reading the luminaries and remember those who I have lost. 

This was the luminary I made in memory of my best friend's (mIr) father. He lost his battle to cancer in April of 2007

Before this, was the locks of love donations.  We had over 50 females donate at least 8" of their hair.  For those of you who know me, know that I am incredibly attached to my hair. I used to practically cry when I got three inches cut off.  Well, I decided that since I surpassed my goal it would be nice to donate my hair. Yes, I got 8" cut off and yes I did cry in shock that my long locks were no longer mine. Donating my hair is something that is on my bucket list, so it is kind of cool to be able to check it off.  jHg did it with me.  Since we both had really long hair we thought it would be easiest to deal with if we both go it cut.

My face during this was priceless!

I am still adjusting to my new hair, but it isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.  I don't like it yet but in time I will come to terms with it. After all it is just hair and it will grow back eventually.  I'm lucky to even have hair.  Cancer patients lose their hair during treatment.

This is my before and after picture

Throughout the night we had numerous events and themed laps.  Some of these include: pizza, breakfast, messy twister, a burrito eating contest, survivors lap, caregivers lap, 90s TV show theme contest, trivia contests, a cheeto toss, and many others. 

2:30 a.m. rave

Goofy pictures in the photo booth

Messy Twister was definitely messy!

Overall, the event was a huge success.  My small school of less than 1,500 students raised over $52,000.  That is a pretty large sum of money.  I intend to keep relay in my life in the future.  It is an opportunity I suggest everyone becomes involved in if they aren't already.

xoxo

-mQs-