The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Humboldt County started last night. It's a 24 hour event that starts off with an opening ceremony and a Survivor's Lap. It hadn't crossed my mind to go but my mom invited me to go with her. I don't quite yet consider myself a survivor, even though I know I should. At what point should one consider themselves a survivor?
I admit that I had an unsettled feeling driving into the event. I can't quite put my finger on why but I think it has something to do with the fact that my cancer diagnosis still doesn't quite seem real. Or maybe surreal is a better word. I still have a hard time thinking to myself that I have cancer.
I'm a "get it done and cross it off my list" kind of person. I had a friend of ours say that he thinks I've "handled" this cancer diagnosis and treatment in a very business-like manner. I don't think I would've come up with that description myself, but I think he's right. You get the news, you make a plan, and you work the plan. Step 1... step 2... step 3. Yep, that's me. It's probably the only way I could've gotten through this.
Back to Relay for Life. I've never, once, doubted that I'd get through this. Going to Relay helped me see that there are lots of other survivors out there that got through it also. Here's a picture of me with a family friend, Michelle, that is also getting through this too.
And a picture that was taken during the Survivor's lap of my mom and I. It ended up in the Times Standard...
They had a big white canvas that Survivor's could put a handprint with their name and how long they've been a survivor. Mine is the pink one, under the 2018, close to my hands.
People can buy these luminaries (a white paper bag with a candle in it) and have something written on them. You can do it in honor or in memory of someone. My parents bought this one in honor of me. When it gets dark, they light all the candles and it's pretty cool.
I should be all done with my treatments by this time next year. I plan to walk in the Survivor's Lap again. Anyone want to join me?
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