The Relay for Life event was an exceptional experience.
We arrived early to participate in the Survivor Dinner. It was a delicious meal served by the students who were members of the committee who organized the whole event. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that all of the attendees were personally touched by a life-threatening journey… we were all survivors or supporters. We have all faced the thought that there was no guarantee of survival and we have all “walked” beside others who haven’t survived. My thoughts ricocheted between joy and sorrow.
After dinner, Cailyn wanted to find her team. They were in the centre of the track, assembling their tent. Everyone was understandably excited. There was a really neat energy swirling around them and they surrounded Cailyn with it. It was a lovely evening, the sun was shining and the temperature was great. Although I realized it would be difficult for her to leave the experience, I was thankful that she was able to touch it for more than a couple moments.
Everyone gathered in front of the podium before the first lap, the Survivor Lap, to listen to two students perform “Titanium” and to hear various dignitaries speak about the specialness of the event. When it was time for the first lap, all of the Survivors’ names were called and they formed a line of yellow. The participating students joined the line and walked with the Survivors… Cailyn’s team members were right beside her.
After the lap and a few photo opportunities, I left Cailyn at her school to enjoy some more time with her team. She stayed a little longer than the doctor recommended but still missed the Luminary ceremony. The participants were all given a white paper bag that they could decorate (the luminary). Cailyn decorated her luminary and dedicated it in memory of a dear friend. Candles were put inside the white bags and they were placed around the track. About an hour after we left the school, the candles were turned on, lighting up both the track and the decoration.
Cailyn had a fantastic time and didn’t want to leave when the moment came.
The Relay for Life involved celebrating survivors, honouring those who have lost their battles, and raising money to fund cancer research. I’m sure that the research required to find the cure for Cailyn’s tumour is already underway. This is just the beginning of her Survivor Laps!