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I know, I know. Seems like everyone's askin' fer yer money these days, huh? Economic times are tough, & you're no doubt hanging on to your wallet like a kid to his blankie. Preferably without your thumb in your mouth, too.So let me be up front: I'm asking for your money. But I'm also asking for your compassion.
I told you once that I won't walk "for color-coded cures." But I will walk for the lives of all people affected by all kinds of cancer. You know why: My dad had cancer & it sucked & he died. What you probably don't know is that he died 15 years ago this summer - June 19th, to be exact.
This June 19th, I'll be participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, a chance to fight back against the disease that has affected the lives of so many. Relay is a 12-hour event in which teams of participants camp out at a local high school and take turns walking or running around a track or path in the name of fighting cancer – a disease that has no doubt affected someone close to every single one of us.
For me, this Relay comes at a particularly poetic time, marking the 15-year anniversary of my dad's death to the day. I’ll of course be Relaying in his memory – along with the memory of my Grandpa Ritz (leukemia), my Grandpa Earl (prostate cancer), & my Grandma Peg (breast cancer). I'll also be Relaying in support of a good friend who, at just 26, is facing lymphoma for the third time.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an opportunity to help save lives by raising money that funds prevention & early detection, illness support, cure research & much, much more. I know money's tight, but what say you? Will you consider making a donation to my Relay for Life team? You can even make a donation in memory or in honor of someone you love.
Ted Kennedy Jr. once said, "My father admired perseverance." Well, my father may not have been a Senator, but he had a thing for perseverance, too; his motto was "Press on, regardless." My dad was a pretty tough guy, but even tough guys can fall to an unrelenting disease like this.
But I'm pretty tough, too. So I'm trying to kick cancer's ass. Will you join me in pressing on regardless - & fighting back?
