The Countdown to Relay: Celebrate

From the catwalk at opening ceremonies
Relay For Life of Tacoma, May 2005

Celebrate • Remember • Fight Back

You'll find each of these at every Relay event. The first -- celebrate -- is what happens at the beginning of every Relay. The opening lap is filled with survivors on the track.

One of my favorite images from the last year I chaired the Relay in Tacoma...the survivors filling the track awaiting their first lap.

It's a moment filled with joy, tears, celebration for all those we love who are fighting cancer right now. Survivors are most often found in purple Relay tees, with survivor medals around their necks.

One of my favorite quotes, excerpted from the story I wrote in the Tacoma News Tribune in 2005 for our Relay insert...

The Baker Bulldogs formed their team three years ago when team captain Juanita Fejerang was diagnosed.

In her first year as a survivor, she was determined to be part of the Survivors’ Lap. She had no hair and it was more than she could bear. She began weeping.

A gentleman with pancreatic cancer walked up to her, put his arm around her, and said, “It’s okay. I’ll walk with you.”

She smiles, “That was just like God, sending a friend when I needed it most.”

If you haven't attended Opening Ceremonies before...don't miss your chance. For our Relay, opening ceremonies are at 6 pm on Friday, June 27th at Black Hills High School. :)

You should be there.