Help wipe out cancer with Relay
I was at the Gurnee Curves recently trying to follow up with my New Year's resolution to exercise and I noticed a couple of stuffed animals with a Relay for Life T-shirt on them. I was excited to see a reminder so early in the year of such a great event.
This year's Gurnee/Wadsworth Relay will be held July 12-13 at Warren Township High School's O'Plaine campus.
Last year, as the Honorary Survivor Chair, I had the privilege of telling the story of my battle with breast cancer in 2006 to the Relay attendees. Prior to 2006, I questioned why there were these walks, runs, marathons, and other events to fundraise for organizations trying to eliminate cancer or diabetes or other life-threatening diseases. Why not just have people send checks?
Well, until you've been there, it's hard to describe the experience of coming together as a community along with friends and family to do what we can to wipe out cancer.
What an awesome experience the Relay is. Let me share some information:
• People of all ages participate. This isn't just for us cancer folks. I was humbled by the amount of time and effort our young adults spent helping to raise money and awareness.
• There is no minimum amount to raise. Whatever you and your team can help contribute is appreciated.
• There are no words to describe the survivor and caregiver lap around the track. It is tough, emotional, and inspiring whether you're walking in it or watching us walk it.
• Hundreds of luminaria are lit to honor those who survived and those who have passed. This event reminds us why we are trying to make a difference and how we all know of at least one person in our life that has been touched by cancer.
This year's theme is "Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back!" Our Gurnee/Wadsworth Relay will be held on July 12-13th and we hope to reach the million dollar mark. We have raised around $200,000 each year and if we continue that trend, we can reach our goal.
I invite you to be a part of that experience. Join us at our Kick Off on Feb. 27th at 7 p.m. at Gurnee Community Church in Gurnee. We can win this battle.
Lisa Twadell
Gurnee