between here and there: Relay for Life

Wow. It’s July! I apologize for my absence from the blogosphere. I guess I’ve been…busy? Pre-occupied? It’s Summer for goodness sake! I guess that’s about the best excuse you’re going to get for now. I know, not much of a strong case.

But here I am, right? That’s what counts. After much coaxing and begging from my ~~hundreds of followers~~ mom and sister-in-law….here. I. am. {strike through words idea stolen from Laurie...given where credit is due.}

Let’s go back three whole weeks. The weekend of Relay for Life. This is what I will talk about today. It’s worth noting and worth highlighting. Even if it is three weeks late. It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend. Weather could not have been more perfect. Since the event was all outdoors this was a huge plus. Relay for Life is an annual movement that raises funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Each year more than 4 millions people in over 20 countries participate. It is a time to celebrate with survivors what they’ve overcome. It is a time to remember those who were lost to the disease, and honor those who are currently fighting it. The event inspires participants to take action against a disease that has taken too much. You can learn more about Relay for Life here.

My family has attended Relay since 2005. It was extra special this year because my mom was selected as the honorary survivor and my dad, the honorary caregiver. Heart bursting with pride! She shared her story in front of hundreds and did great. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the whole place. We are so so thankful that she is alive and well and with us today. Thank you Jesus. Here is shortened version of her story:

I was born and raised in Lancaster County, most recently living in the Denver/Adamstown area along with my husband, Ben and our youngest of five daughters, Erin. We were living the American dream until one day at the age of 41 I discovered a lump and then had my first mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and biopsy. The nurse’s face became a blur when she uttered the words “you have cancer”. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, a rare type of breast cancer. I was treated very aggressively, with surgery, chemotherapy, then radiation. “Hope has been my anchor”- May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. -Rom 15:13a.

My first Relay for Life experience was in 2005, shortly after my treatments. I was encouraged by a friend to go to the survivor’s reception and was glad I did. Cancer was very foreign to me but I soon realized I was not alone. I continued to participate at Relay and regained my strength. Then, 2 years later, I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. After surgery and nuclear medicine, I again was a cancer survivor! As time went on, I continued to take preventative medicine, along with yearly mammograms, but in 2011 I discovered a lump on my other breast. Could it be? Yes, cancer for the third time. Another surgery, more rounds of chemo and another 6 weeks of radiation were ahead of me. We had more reason for concern because this time there were 14 cancerous lymph nodes, so they did further tests to stage the cancer. This was probably the scariest time of my life, but I am happy to report that the cancer did not spread and the final cancer staging was 3c.

After the treatments were over I remember a conversation we had during that time, my husband said, “Who gets cancer three times before the age of 50?” And my daughter, Allison, said without hesitation…”the ones that live!” We all looked at each other and thought, WOW, how profound! We have so much to be thankful for!

Today, I am a three time cancer survivor. I’ve celebrated 50 birthdays! I know I am a better, stronger person because of this journey God has walked me through. I am so thankful to Him, for my husband, truly my hero and best friend, my family, my friends and my co-workers at ENB for their love and support shown to me over these last 9 years. THANK YOU so much for your involvement at Relay for Life, I can truly say your efforts are not in vain. I’ll close with a quote from a Relay Newsletter, “My life will NEVER be the same, but because of cancer, it will ALWAYS be more meaningful”. Every day is a gift, cherish each moment. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be your Honorary Survivor for 2013.

-Lori Stayer