For the last 3 years, my sister and I made a team for the local for Relay for Life to honor my Mom's fight, cleverly named "Amy's Army". I always participated when I was younger, but once I had a personal purpose that was near and dear to me, it meant so much more. Within in the past 3 years, our team alone has raised between $5,000-$8,000, and we're not even one of the biggest teams out there. When walking around the track, there are facts and stats that I wanted to post here.
Since 1985, more than $3 billion has been raised from Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
In 2009, more than 5,000 communities have participated, I can't even imagine how many communities have joined the fight now.
Relay for Life is the largest non-profit organization in the entire world.
Relay for Life is present in 19 other countries outside the United States.
More than anything else, Relay is meant to Celebrate the fight that too many people have had to fight on a daily basis. They have multiple ceremonies for the survivors and recognize their fight, for how long they've been a survivor, and how long they fought for.
They also weigh heavily on Remembering those who lost the fight. Almost every single person I know has lost someone to cancer, and one day, more organizations like Relay for life will make the research possible that people won't have to lose their loved ones anymore.
Lastly, Relay teaches us to Fight Back. Against this disease, against the loss, against everything that prevents people from living their best life. We are making such huge strides and getting so close to never need to use the word Cancer again, we just need to keep fighting.
To some, it's just a walk, for most, it means so much more.
