I attended the Relay for Life in my area last Friday night. It was a very moving experience. I am a heart on my sleeve kind of gal, and it was a real effort for me to take that first survivor lap with all the people surrounding the track clapping for us. I did great until I rounded the last curve and saw my family standing up and crying and clapping for me! The luminaria ceremony was also special as they read the names of survivors (In Honor of...) and those who have passed on (In Memory of...) I had purchased luminarias for several of our board members, and it was so special to hear your names read aloud! It felt like you were there with me.

Something that truly disappointed me in the event was the minimal mention of oral cancer in any of the materials passed out. Lots of research and progress in areas of breast cancer and lung cancer, but no mention at all of oral cancer except for the address of SPOHN in a support group section of a pamphlet. That is just not right!

I hadn't planned to attend the gathering in Las Vegas, but my husband and I are now making arrangements to be there. We need to get the word out.

Viva Las Vegas!
Sincerely,
Lisa in Ks