On Friday evening I had the privilege to participate at the annual Relay for Life fundraising event that held across Canada in early June. This function raises money for cancer cure research and also increases awareness of cancer health and recovery issues.
I was humbled to be asked to walk the first lap of the 12 hour relay. The event in Halifax was held within the historic Citadel fortress that rises above everything else on the peninsula of Halifax. As I walked around the track with my grandson and with about 100 other cancer survivors, the relay participants stood around the track and cheered us on. It was a great moment and also a sad one. It realized (once again) that I have a monster to deal with. Dealing with cancer is a scary, scary issue. The monster's primary purpose is to kill and it doesn't discriminate. There were people of all ages who were my partners in the first lap. I wasn't alone.
I am so grateful to the young lady who took the initiative to get a Relay Team (Gido's Monster Slayers) together and raise funds for cancer cure research. Allison, you did a great job and your Mom would be proud! I also wanted to say thanks to my other work friends who lined the first lap and gave me a hug as I walked by. They were Tracey, Leah, Norm, Wendy, Ken P., Michel, Erin, Derrick, Colleen, Elizabeth, Chris and Ray. Thanks Ray for your support and all the fundraising work. It meant a lot. The hug from Jim C was a surprise and most welcome.
And most importantly ... I am grateful for my most intimate support system; thanks "A", Gloria, Dustin, Demetrius and Aaliyah. Dustin, you are a great walking companion.
Finally, I wish you could have been there Max ... we would have walked circles around everyone.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment