Why I Relay.....

If you have participated in the Relay For Life At Latrobe Memorial Stadium in the last several years, you probably know me. I first became involved with the event in 2004 when my friend, Coleen Guest, formed the team Friends For Life, in honor of her sister, Cherie. From Team Member to Team Captain, to Online Publicity Chair, and eventually Online Chair and Assistant Co-Chair...its been quite the journey and I have noticed that my reasons to Relay have changed somewhat over that time. While it is true I participate in honor of my sister Donna and team mate who is a breast cancer survivor, and my daughter-in-law, Brandi, who is a thyroid cancer survivor, and in memory of my father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, several friends and a favorite aunt lost to this disease, my devotion to this cause has now come to include my Relay family and those they honor and remember. Each time I meet someone new and hear their story, or read a new "Why I Relay" story or Caregiver story, my commitment to this cause is renewed. Each time someone shares their story, I am reminded how blessed I am and how far we've come! I am also reminded of how important it is for us to share our stories and let others know what motivates each of us to participate in this cause. When you make it personal by telling your own story, you make an important connection to others, and there are times when just by telling your story, you give someone hope....and hope, after all, is what we are all about! Take the time to share your story with us by emailing a brief essay explaining how you became involved with Relay and why it is important to you to relayforlifedebi@verizon.net and I will post it on the website at www.relayforlife.org/palatrobe . You can also include a photo of yourself or the person who inspired you to become involved with Relay which will be posted on the website along with your story. Thanks for being a part of the Relay For Life At Latrobe and for all of the hard work that each and every one of you do each year to further our cause. We all know how much more needs to be done, but together we can and do make a difference!