i'm off to a cancer walk today with the local support group that i attended. many friends in the group didn't make it, but some of us are still here. this is my first time, so it brings back emotions that were somewhat removed as i've been out of the group for about 9 months. the entire support group agreed upon the name 'Kancer Kickers' that was suggested by Jim. Jim won't be there today.

it's a warm day with no rain... around the local zoo & park. i think i'll hang out with the strollers, not the serious walkers.

who else has been to a cancer walk and what were your experiences?

cu,
larryb

I will be participating in our Walk for Life this June. It will be my first one as well. The Foundation has turned this into a weekend event for the whole family with entertainment etc. The first night is the Survivors Walk followed by the lighting of the Luminaries around the track. Anyone can purchase a Luminary in memory of someone who has lost the battle or who is fighting the battle or survived the battle.
I helped with the Daffodil Sale this year and enjoyed that very much. We managed to raise $31,687.00 to be used for Research, Public Education Programs and Patient Services. I hope we will do as well with the sale of the Luminaries. I should add that this money was raised between 2 small cities in the South East part of the Province. The total population combined is about 16,000 people.
Like Larry I'd love to hear about others doing the same thing and your experiences.
David

Larry,

I am truly sorry your friend Jim won't be walking with you. I can't imagine how emotional that time will be for you. Sending kind thoughts and lots of love your way.

I have participated in the Relay for Life here since my mother came here to live in 2000. I always shed a tear or two when the survivors get their special lap. Never would I have imagined being in that group. I have also purchased luminaries as David says for close friends and families who pass that year. It is so sad that every year for a while now I have had someone close succumb to cancer.

Ed

we don't have similar walks here in the UK..we have fund raising runs for research.. but yes we all walk with the shadows of our friends at our shoulder.. we send man into space but we can't get to grips with cancer...
Helen

Even in my small town, we have the Relay for Life, which goes for an entire weekend at a local high school track. I ran last year and will do so again this year. Weird, but I skipped the survivor lap because although I am, that is not how I identify myself. I am runner who USED to have cancer. My friends know, but I have always kept my business to myself, so I am not comfortable being part of the survivor group. Except here (grin). I highly recommend looking for a Relay for Life in your area. Lots of fun for a good cause.

I have been asked to speak at our local Relay for Life event on May 15th about my experience as a caregiver. They have one survivor and one caregiver speak. This event runs from noon Sat to noon Sun and also has the survivor lap, lighting of the luminaries and other fun things going on. This is my first time for participating in this type of event. I hope I can do my 5-10 minute speech without breaking down. I have my doubts since it has only been 7 months and I'm still very emotional, but they don't have anyone else. They had a patient/caregiver team lined up to talk, but the patient just learned that she has to undergo chemo again so they both bowed out.

I'm not too sure yet what I am going to say. They bill this event as uplifting and a celebration of life after cancer. I told them Heather didn't suvive and I don't know how uplifting that is going to be, but I'll try. They want me to talk about how cancer affected the family, so I figure I can talk some about Heather's daughter Cati. Since she is doing so well, that may be encouraging for patients who have young children. I also plan to tell of how it brought some old friends back into our lives when they offered their support. Since we cared for Heather at home, I thought I could let people know that home care can be done by ordinary people. I figure if I could do it with no medical background, that may inspire other people to try also.

I am open to suggestions on what to say. Maybe some of you that have attended these events can remember what speeches you've heard and give me some tips. I haven't spoken in public for many, many years and can use all the help I can get!!! Thanks!

Rainbows & hugs,
Rosie

Rosie
Go tell them lady... I don't think you know how much your common sense and caring means to us on this forum.. sometimes here it's what you DON'T say that is important.. when I'm down I set great store by your posts... so for Heather and for us go WOW them..
love and hugs
Helen

Rosie: All of the things you mentioned are perfect for the speach you described. Just the kind of thing everyone there is likely to be interested in hearing. Only thing you might consider adding is the importance of a positive attitude as the battle is being fought. Regards, Kirk Georgia

Oh yes, Rosie, definitely incorporate Kirk's suggestion about a positive attitude being important, for both the caregiver and the patient. I wish I could hear your address, as I am sure it will be absolutely terrific!

Rosie,

You have already put into words exactly the message you want to relay and it is a beautiful one at that. Remember, the entire circle of family and friends gets the disease, not just the patient. I am sure Cati will be an inspiration to all of them just like she (and you) are to us. As I read your post I reminisced about my mother being here and reuniting her with a friend she hadn't seen for 50 years and how much love she enjoyed throughout her life. I know you will do an excellent job and if it gets emotional for you just listen in the background with all of us cheering you on...you go girl! You are certainly entitled to get emotional with all you have had to endure and live through. Remember we all love you and are standing behind you with our hands rested on your shoulder to give you all the support you need to deliver the message everyone should have the honor of hearing.

Ed