This past weekend, we had the amazing opportunity to take part in the 24 hour Relay For Life that took place at the Lake Oswego High School.  Relay For Life, is “a community event where people come together to remember loved ones, inspire others, and celebrate life. It’s your chance to make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

Prior to attending the event, we joined a team to raise money towards the American Cancer Society in the battle against cancer. When we arrived at the Relay, our team took turns walking or running around the track while also taking part in various fun activities. This included a hula hoop competition, “Thriller” dancing lesson, live music, charades and much more! While taking a break, our team and other relay attendees could grab a bite to eat from the many tents set up offering hot dogs, veggie burgers, sandwiches, bake sales and much more. There were also cancer survivors (in purple shirts) in attendance to join in the relay.

While we did not stay for the full 24 hours, we did come back in the evening for the Illuminaria service. A illuminaria was a small white bag with a candle inside prepared by any of the attendees. They decorate the outside with a name of a person who has either lost a battle to cancer or is currently fighting the disease. When we arrived in the morning there were approximately 100-200 bags, however by evening when all the candles had been lit, we saw over a thousand bags each telling their own story of someone who has been affected by this terrible disease! What a sight. We were so touched during the ceremony when a cancer patient shared of her journey with the disease as well as the songs that were sung and the reading of the names of the people in the community who had struggled with cancer.

We left the service full of hope but also more aware of the need to come together to fight this terrible disease. If you would like to learn more, please visit the American Cancer Society.

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