Halloween..... for Relay for Life

My employer raises money for Relay for Life. One of the fundraisers was wearing a Halloween costume for fellow employees to judge in 3 categories - Scariest, Funniest and Most Original.

I wore my costume and paid my entry fee, made me feel good to donate that money to Relay.

Now I don't know if I won anything, that will be announced tomorrow but if I don't it doesn't matter....

This was a quick and easy, out of the closet costume. I used to do something like this in college, only thing missing is my jug of "moonshine"..... in fact, I used to wear these bibs over 30 years ago. Thanks to my recent weight loss, I CAN wear them again :)



Dad if you see this.....

Do you recognize the jacket?????

:)

Edited 11/11/07: No, I didn't win a prize but then again, I didn't expect to!

Relay for Life - Mardi Gras 2007

This weekend was the annual Relay For Life in my county. It started at 6:00 p.m. Friday and ended at 1:00 p.m. Saturday.

This year I purchased luminaria. One for my dad, a cancer survivor. And, one for his brother, who is in the midst of battling cancer. I had watched the luminaria lighting ceremony in previous years, but had never participated. A whole new experience. As I listened to the words being spoken over the loud speaker and watching the progress of the torch around the track being carried by survivors, I was moved to tears.

Here's the luminaria before lighting.




























And, immediately after lighting before the stadium lights were turned back on.















During my hour of laps at 2:00 a.m.





















And, to my dear sweet Laraine, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in NYC in 2002.... know that my prayers are with you in your upcoming battle. Some of my tears during the luminaria ceremony were for you, my friend....

Cancer again....

Just about a year ago I wrote about my father being diagnosed with prostate cancer. I am relieved that I can say he is cancer-free. After his PSA rose again last summer, he chose to have radiation treatments and in November was declared cancer-free.

About the time he got his all-clear, his brother had a very high PSA. The doctor felt it could be an infection and treated him for that to begin with. Unfortunately that was not the case and my uncle has now been diagnosed with cancer. This is the brother that he is closest to... both age wise and as friends. Mike is 15 months older than Dad and they are like "2 peas in a pod".

Mike and his wife have 4 children. 2 girls and 2 boys (not to mention the grandkids and great-grandkids!). The oldest girl is 9 months older than me and the next girl is 9 months younger.... We were close growing up and I still spend a lot of holidays with their family. They consider me a part of their family and have for many years. When I heard about his diagnosis, I was floored. Not only does he have prostate cancer, he also has bone cancer. And from what I have learned the bone cancer is not only in his back but also small spots on his one hip, a rib and a lymph node. And, the prostate cancer is Stage 4.... He is having treatment for both cancers so we can only hope for the best.

I am again raising money for our county Relay for Life. But, you know what.... Mike's 2nd daughter has raised money for Relay for several years also. Last year, our efforts were for my Dad. This year they will be for her Dad.....

I.hate.the.word.Cancer.