|
There are many amazing charitable organizations focused upon cancer research and support. However, Relay for Life is the most successful community based fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. There are more than 5,000 Relay for Life events taken place across America and more than $5 billion raised by this volunteered based event. Communities come together to remember loved ones lost, honor cancer survivors and raise money to fight back against all types of Cancer. It is a celebration of survivorship an occasion to express hope and our goals to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people.
I attended my very first Relay For Life event in May of 2006. Not knowing what to expect, I walked into a huge crowd of people, lots of laughter, smiles, tears, banners and signs of those who were gone, loved ones that were currently battling cancer and those who had won the victory and beat the dreadful disease. I was amazed by all the love and support individuals had poured into the event. That night as I watched the survivors take their survivor walk, my heart skipped a beat. And in that moment I promised to always support this incredible organization.
My father, Alan Biggerstaff was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) in November of 2004. CLL is a type of cancer that starts from white blood cells in the bone marrow. It then invades the blood. In time, it invades other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. That's exactly what happened to my dad. The cancer took over his body. He experienced this disease full force for over 9 years. On February 9th, 2013 he lost his life to cancer.
Relay For Life was always so important to my father. He loved the event and looked forward to performing on stage with his band, "No Alibi." It brought my father so much joy to see all the individuals supporting this great event.
This year will be my family's 3rd year hosting a Relay for Life Team. Our name is, "Team Ollie" in memory of my father. We have decided to have a Fish Fry in hopes to raise money for our team. The Fish Fry and Silent Auction will take place on Saturday, March 28th, 2015 from 12:00noon-7:00pm at the Boiling Springs Masonic Lodge. The Silent Auction will be held from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
Maybe we'll never find a cure for cancer. What matters to me and many of the millions of Americans affected by cancer is that we find a way to help; we find ways to help prevent the disease and find ways to treat it more effectively.
Today, I ask you to support the amazing organization, Relay For Life; and to continue hosting events to support cancer research. Take pride in serving those in need. We never know how our lives will turn out. We never know what God has in store for our journey here on earth.
-Ashley Biggerstaff Blanton