Total Funds Raised

The Berrien County Fairgrounds Relay event raised over $450,000 to help find a cure for cancer!!! It amazes me each year how much money we continue to raise. Hopefully, if not in my lifetime, in Grace's, there will no longer be a need to relay.

This event has been #1 in the nation per capita the past 2 years. Hopefully we can again be #1 in raising funds.

Luminaria

At 11:00p.m. there is a Luminaria "Ceremony". Throughout the year we have sold white luminaria bags in memory or honor of people with cancer. We decorate the bags throughout the day, some teams let the purchasers decorate their bags. Then we put in sand and a candle and light it. The luminaria bags light our walk through the night. There is a silent lap where we reflect on those fighting the battle and those who have lost the fight.
Uncle Tom and Barb lighting the candles.
Two of our decorated bags. The one on the left is my neighbor who has just lost her mother at the wonderful age of 99 to simple old age. Sarah was a delight to be around. She has spent the better part of the last year at Jeannie's (my neighbor) and had become like a grandmother to me and my family. I loved to hear her stories of growing up and raising her children. Even in her last days, you could be guaranteed a smile from her at the mention of shoes and handsome young men. I will miss her.

Cruisin' For A Cure

Each year there is a different theme for Relay. It is always fun to see how each team interprets the theme. This year the theme was Cruisin' For A Cure. The team next to us had a pink car pinata. The team across from us had a "Herbie The Love Bug" theme.

This team brought their motorcycle.
This hot wheels car showed up for awhile in the afternoon.

Around the Track

Team Jurrassic Joggers for Josh always has this dinasaur they offer rides in.
There are approximately 100 teams that come for this event to fight cancer.
All ages, sizes and colors participate in relay - cancer is not biased.
This team had a table full of items to sell to raise even more money.

We Miss You Nick

Nick just finished Boot Camp last weekend and is now in El Paso, Texas at Fort Bliss. We needed a man for the Womanless Woman contest to replace Nick this year but there were no takers.

Alex & Grace Cooling Off

A "site fundraiser". Hit the target and the waterballoon breaks on top of you.
Great in the middle of the afternoon after walking a few laps.
Alex is a little nervous.
How do you feel now? Refreshed!

Unexpected Visitors

Abby tickling Uncle Steve.
Jorin, Barb and Eli headed out for a lap around the track.
Abby having a cool drink of water on this hot day.

Barb & Diana setting up the table with items for sale.
Alexis deciding whether or not she liked me. Not sure what her final decision was.
Jorin giving a thumbs up to Anna's decision on food for lunch.
Jorin getting a hug from the Cinemark popcorn kernal.

Mystery Walker

Who is that mystery character walking with Barb? Could it be Brian??

Dining at Relay

Grace and Alex went for the nachos.
Anna looking over the choices with Jorin and Alexis.
Barb, Tom and Pat made a good choice - Dairy Queen Buster Bars.
Oh, Steve got a Buster Bar also.

Relay June 27-28, 2009

We did it!! Another successful, enjoyable year at Relay. I look forward to this event every year not only for the amazing event itself but for the opportunity to see my relatives which I don't get to see very often.



This year Steve was able to make it in from Iowa and also a great surprise for us - Anna came up from Indy with Jorin and Alexis. I haven't seen her since 2005 so it was great spending time with her - even though she was tired from the drive. Brian made his usual "guest appearance" for an hour or so then disappeared as soon as we asked him to do some laps for us. LOL

Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat came in the morning to help us set up and stayed for awhile then went home and came back again in the evening. They left and were back again in the early morning to help us tear down. Thanks for the canopy - it came in handy when the rain hit.

Mom, Diana, Amanda, Alex, Grace, Steve and I stayed the entire 24 hours. Well Steve disappeared a couple of times for some "nap time" in his car since he drove in from Iowa early Saturday morning.

Grace and Steve had a lap competition going and in the end Steve won with 30 laps (15 miles). Grace held a close second with 23 laps (11.5 miles). Mom and I ended up with 16 laps (8 miles). We decided though that if we were to count trips to the bathroom, food and ice runs, etc. we would have many more laps.

When we get the date for next years' event, I will let everyone know. It would be great if all of us could come at least for a short time next year and have a reunion and help fight for a cure of this horrible disease that has hit all of us in many ways.