Remembering those lost to cancer

During the holiday season, our loved ones that we have lost to cancer are never far from our thoughts.

This can make the holiday season a very sad and difficult time for many of us. We miss their guiding light in our lives and feel the darkness of their loss surround us. I feel this way often when I think of the friends and family I have lost to this devastating disease. I am thankful that I have now found a way to rediscover their light and honor their memories.

The American Cancer Society will be holding the annual Relay For Life of Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills on June 7 at Mundelein High School. One of the most amazing moments of this event is the luminaria ceremony.

Prior to Relay For Life, people may purchase luminaria bags in memory of someone they have lost to cancer, or in honor of someone surviving cancer. These luminaria bags line the walking track, and at 10 p.m. we hold a remembrance ceremony in honor of those we've lost.

At this time, the bags are lit with glow sticks and then continue to illuminate the path that Relayers walk throughout the night hours. These bags become our guiding lights and help us to remember why we are there fighting back against this disease.

I purchase luminarias in memory of my loved ones every year. It lifts my heart to know that we are honoring those I love and have lost at this event. I also send a note to other family members telling them that our loved one will be remembered on June 7. It has lifted the spirits of many members of my family and they have told me that it helps them to know that the light of our loved one still shines brightly. I encourage you to purchase a luminaria bag in memory of or honor of someone you love. Give their light to Relay For Life to help fight back against cancer so that other families don't have to feel the darkness.

To purchase a luminaria, contact Nikki Furrow at (847) 317-0025 or nicole.furrow@cancer.org or online at www.relayforlifeglmv.com.

Jenny Gapinski

Relay For Life of GLMV co-chair,

15-year ovarian cancer survivor