The Relay For Life event is something that’s been around for a long time, but it took knowing cancer survivors personally, and getting to know them, before I realized exactly how important these events really are!

“Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet.”

This quote rings true with EVERY SINGLE cancer survivor I have met and those who continue to fight for their life through it, along with ones we have lost. It’s part of why events like Relay For Life are so important. This lady is a true inspiration and I find myself truly blessed to know her. She is a true fighter and is someone to truly admire. Her determination and love for life kept her going and she has beaten breast cancer two times and keeps coming out stronger. Thank you, Di, for allowing me to be a part of your life and your story!

I asked Di to write a little bit for all of you and her fellow fighters and supporters:

“Some of you have asked why I have two different pictures of me ringing the treatment completion bell. Well,l I beat cancer twice within a 15-month time span. I was diagnosed the first time on Dec 20, 2017, followed by multiple surgeries, lots of chemotherapy, and radiation; rang the bell on Sep 19, 2018. I was re-diagnosed, on the other side, on Dec 19, 2018, the 365th day. Surgery and radiation on the second round, but thankfully no chemo; second bell ringing on Mar 15, 2019.

I have kicked cancers A$$ twice in a 15-month time span, and I am planning to do the entire Relay for Life myself. I started my training in mid-January, while in treatment for my second diagnosis, and in preparation, I have walked/ran over 382 training miles!!! I dedicate this endeavor to my Mom who passed on Mother’s Day 1977, from cancer, when I was just 10 years old.

A very special thank you to Mandy for taking so many awesome pictures, and to Amy, Becky, Wendy, Dean, Andi, Jeff, and Chuck for walking with me, cheering me on, and set-up/tear-down of our site. Thanks to Becky & Amy for a fun “afterglow” and brunch the next morning. And last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Mike for all the support and encouragement through my cancer treatment and Relay for Life training. I walked/ran 11.14 miles and raised $3849!!! ???”

I, as well as you, know a lot of people who are going through all sorts of battles- not only cancer but everything from money issues to health issues and everything in between. Di is a true inspiration for everyone facing mental, emotional or physical illness. Positivity and knowing you will beat what you are going through is just part of the journey but is a GREAT place to start. Thank you for being who you are and for pushing through this hard time in your life and for allowing us to be a little part of your story.

Love,