Relay for Life 2012

On Friday June 15th, we participated in our first Relay for Life. My sister and I decided to do this in honor of our sister-in-law, Diane. She went in for her routine mammogram in March 2011 and had a biopsy for a suspicious mass. They determined cancer was present, so they decided to do surgery in April. After getting a deep cough with no flu/cold symptoms in November, they found out it had spread to the lungs. She just found out this month that the cancer has now spread to her brain and spinal cord.

On Friday afternoon, mom, my brother Jeff, Kaylie and I went over to Hawkeye Community College to get our camp set-up. It was very hot, but we got the tent up in about 45 minutes which was pretty good since I haven't ever put our tent up by myself. We then went back to get my sister and her and I went back to set-up the canopy tent for the night. Her and I went to back to get Zach and all the kids. We then made it out to the campsite around 5:30 p.m. and started decorating the campsite.

Opening ceremony was at 6:00 p.m. and they did a little announcement and then the survivors and caregivers took the track. We then did one lap as a team and then we started walking. Zach and I walked the first 45 minutes or so. Then my brother Tom & his family took over at 7:00 p.m and they walked until about 12:30 a.m. Then my sister Melissa, my brother Jeff, my brother-in-law Dennis, Zach and I took the track. Dad came out and walked an hour at about 3 a.m.

It was a very emotional night and I was glad that we kept Kaylie there with us. She did awesome...she feel asleep in her stroller at 10:30 p.m. after the fireworks and slept until 4:30 a.m. when she unfortunately fell over the air mattress. Our niece Katelyn also stayed over night with us. It was a great experience and the lack of sleep and pain we were feeling is nothing compared to what all of these people with cancer are going through. We hope that we helped with our fundraising total of $3,070...not too bad for starting in February.

The whole Relay was a huge success because they bet their goal by more than $15,500. Their goal was $196,000 but the final total was $211,500. This money goes toward cancer research, education and outreach programs. We are glad that we took part in such an amazing and hope that the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER continues until we find a CURE.

Thanks to everyone that help us achieve our goal.

To read more of Diane's story and to get updates please go to her Caring Bridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dianeishmael