Orangeburg Relay for Life

On Friday April 24th, I took you two out to William J. Clark for the Orangeburg Chapter Relay for Life Cancer Walk. I have been involved with this event for 7 years now and love being a part of helping cancer survivors, cancer victims and those that will be affected by cancer. The money raised from the event is given to the American Cancer Society. The majority of the money raised in our area will stay in our area to help with transportation, wigs, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and other programs dedicated to help those diagnosed with cancer. The rest of the money is given to cancer research.

Cancer is a disease that touches everyone's life, rather it be personally or through a family member or a friend. Being a mammographer, there were so many women that would come in for their mammogram, and my eyes would be the first to see this disease infecting their bodies. To see this persons life was about to change in such a dramatic way and that only God could control the outcome. Having a career in Imaging Sciences really has put me in the middle of this terrible disease. Everyday, new diagnoses are made through the xrays, MRI's, CT's, Mammograms, Ultrasounds and other imaging modalities. But not all are diagnoses' of a new cancer, some are also diagnoses' of remission and healing.

The past two years, I have not worked the Relay for Life but instead, chose to just participate and donate. By doing this, I could take you two out to the event and show you the love and compassion that giving can bring. I want you two to know that feeling and to always think of others and what you might could do to change someone's life. Ayden, you are already showing signs of generosity towards others. One day a few months ago, daddy was taking you to Pa's farm to go hunting. You guys stopped at the McDonald's on the interstate to grab breakfast. There was a homeless man and woman sitting on the side of the road with a sign asking for help. Daddy didn't think you saw them because you didn't mention them on the way into McD's but then on the way out, you asked why those people had all that stuff and commented that they must have been going camping. Daddy told you no, those things were all of the things they had and they didn't have a home, they were homeless. The week before was Valentine's Day and you had received money from your grandparents and great grandparents. We always put the money you receive away for your college account, but this time we let you put it in your new wallet. You wanted to show Clay and Pa. So back to the "campers." After daddy explained to you that these people did not have a home, you told daddy "Well maybe if I give them the money I got, they could buy a house." Daddy and I were so proud of you and the fact that you were willing to give your gift to help another, was amazing. I hope you will always reach out to help make a difference. Whether it be through money, your time, hard work or by just helping out someone in need, helping others in need will always make you thankful for the blessings you have been given. I plan to lead by example and making you guys a part of Relay for Life is just one these wonderful opportunities.

We had so much fun Friday night, playing with friends, getting your faces painted, jumping in the jump castles and eating lots of good food and sweats. We walked 3 laps around the track and looked at all of the luminary bags that had been purchased and dedicated to cancer victims and survivors. Your great grandfather, Kenneth Westbury died of cancer and for several years, mommy dedicated a luminary bag in his honor. Papa and daddy donate the sand to the Relay event every year, and this sand is used to fill each and every one of these luminary bags. This year, there seemed to be so many more than before. It was dark when we were walking, and the lighting of the luminaries had just begun. It was really a beautiful sight to see the track lit up with the love from friends and family members of cancer victims. We didn't leave until almost 10:00. I was worn out but had such a good time. I think you guys did too. Here are some of the pictures from before we left the house to the event itself.