Relay For Life Night!

Most of you have heard of Relay For Life... an all night event (and months of work before!) that raises money for cancer research. This was our second year to go to our county's Relay event... what an amazing night! It's like a big carnival with good food, fun games and lots of friends. This year was even more special to us because Sam Haygood was the honorary chairman. Sam's family goes to our church so we have known them for a few years now. When Sam was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago I had the pleasure of taking care of him in the hospital when he was in for treatments. This way I got to know this amazing family even better, and what a wonderful experience it has been. Sam is doing great now and will be getting married in September! Several of Sam's friends and family were at the Relay to support him. The night started out with the survivor lap around the track. It's amazing how many people we know who are cancer survivors, including our good friend and neighbor Jacy Rojewski. The survivor lap is followed by the caregivers' lap, then the team lap. Then someone from each team walks on the track for the entire night until 8am Saturday. Mitchell and Amelia had a great time this year. We gave them walkie talkies and money and sent them on their way (it's nice knowing that there are still a few safe places in this world!). Right before we headed home the luminary service took place. They light all of the luminaries (including the ones in the stands that read the word "HOPE") and a bagpipe player walked the track playing "Amazing Grace" while the whole stadium fell silent. It is a time for reflection and a truly touching moment. After this we took some tired children home for the night!