Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Pep Rally: Relay for Life Cabarrus 2010

Last Thursday, Renda and I attended the Spring Pep Rally for the Cabarrus Relay for Life 2010. The Big Game - Relay for Life vs. Cancer - will be held Saturday, May 15th, 11am to Sunday, May 16th, 11am at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. This year's theme is Relay University - "Go! Fight! Win! in 2010!"

In 2009, Cabarrus County raised $133,000 for the American Cancer Society. The goal for 2010 is $150,000! Another goal for 2010's Relay is to have 1,500 cancer survivors walk the Survivor lap (the first lap of the relay). Can you imagine 1,500 survivors in purple survivor shirts walking that special lap together? (goosebumps)

At the Pep rally, Kim Beecham, the co-chair for the 2010 Cabarrus Relay for Life, told her story of being a 3 year cancer survivor and having her mom as her caregiver. Renda and I were touched by her story and we wanted to share it with you. On August 31, 2006, Kim was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of 25. She said her faith, family, and friends are what got her through the battle.

She mentioned her aunt that called her everyday from the day of diagnosis until the day she was "cancer-free." Even if her aunt only spoke to a nurse, she'd take note of the tests, diagnoses, and how Kim felt each day. She kept a diary of her day-to-day struggles and progresses. Kim has this diary of her battle with cancer, which is something that she can refer back to and see how strong she was. Kim said during her story, "Every day was a victory."

Kim pepped up the room full of team captains and members by her words. "Walk so that we can celebrate more birthdays." Her mother also spoke of participating in three years of UNCC Relays for Life. She said, "I thank God everytime I see her walk that survivor lap." (goosebumps and tears)

We want to thank Kim and her mother for sharing details of their battle with cancer. It's awesome to meet people who are as passionate as we are about fundraising to help research.

Rita from the Charlotte office of the American Cancer Society also joined us at the Pep Rally. She asked who in the room had referred cancer patients and their families to the American Cancer Society before. Only a few people in the room agreed that they had referred anyone to ACS in the past.

Rita proceeded to inform us of the numerous services and support that ACS can offer cancer patients, such as caregivers, survivor network, patient health insurance assistance, road to recovery, and many more! (I personally had no idea about all this! I just thought ACS was based around cancer research. Little did I know?!)

Road to Recovery is a transportation system where volunteers can help patients get to and from treatments and doctors' appointments. Many patients don't have family and friends locally for support, therefore, no transportation. ACS needs more Road to Recovery drivers. If you know of any church groups, retirees, etc. that might be interested, contact Rita at 1-800-ACS-2345. They also offer caregiver workshops for anyone who is interested as well.

I have to say after the pep rally, we're pumped. We've got some great ideas for fundraisers. We have high hopes for our campsite at Relay this year. We can't wait!

If you're interested in joining our Relay team, go to http://main.acsevents.org/goto/focusedonacure and click Join our Team! The more the merrier!

-Jessica

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