Hope IS The Reason For The Season

***There is NO finish line until we find a cure!!!!!***

Yesterday, September 20th, 2008 was the 2nd of 3 "Relay For Life's" in Lake Placid, NY I've attended since Aunt Ruth and Mary Jane Fuller had been diagnosed with cancer. These are 2 VERY special people, who have had a great impact on my life. Unfortunately, this past late spring, MaryJane lost her battle to cancer, but ultimately won the spiritual war as she crossed over to meet her Savior.

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Cancer is such a heart wrenching disease when you look around you to see so many suffering/hurting individuals fighting. The fighting MUST continue to go on... and that is what this Relay was all about!!!!! Over the course of this day, more than $55,000 dollars was raised to help in the continuation of cancer research. The goal had been exceeded, which was such exciting news.

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The day turned out to be absolutley gorgorous. It was pretty warm compared to last year, as I froze. I came a bit more prepared this year in attire. Very greatful in the end... as it once again cooled off a great deal.

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Here are just a few of the many pictures that were taken for this special occassion....

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This saying was attached to the group's table under their tent!
VERY TRUE!

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Cousin Jon, feeling a bit engulfed with some Survivor balloons. Notice the different numbers on each of the balloons. Each survivor was handed one of these, which signified how many years they had been cancer free.

Look real close... you'll see Leah and I near the top. Now, below is a close up!!

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Uncle Ralph & Aunt Ruth... so proud and happy for her!!!!

She definitely deserved such a special day... and I pray many more of these days over many years to come!

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Mike Fuller, who recently lost his dear wife to cancer.

This was his first time attending an event as such, but seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. He never failed to add some picking and teasing amongst the group, which helped keep everyone lively. It was so nice to have you attend such an event that had such meaning for EVERYONE there!

Now, the flower arrangement that he's holding, I believe came from Jon & Leah after the first "Survivor" walk. That was so thoughtful of you guys!

Mom & Auntie

These tents were set up all around the oval to stop and eat, buy, pick up free items, etc.

And.. this is some of the scenery noticed as we walked. Of course the pic doesn't do justice!
Here's everything lit up after dark.... all around the oval were the lumineria bags filled with sand and a candle lit. Such a pretty sight!
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Then, Sunday evening as Mom & I were heading towards home, we decided to stop and visit "Gana's" grave site. If Im not mistake, this would have made only my 2nd time visiting since her passing in 2002! A bit ashamed, to say the least! I do miss her dearly. Her phone calls that sometimes seemed a bit overbearing (3-5 times a day- and just as you were walking out the door), but you know.. I'd take back EVERY last time I thought this... because now, my days pass by without getting any phone calls from her. She always loved to talk to her children & grandchildren.. and she always made a special attempt to let each of us know how much she loved and cared for us. Lots of her time was spent with family because she didnt like to be left alone - Rides to town, out to dinner, family visits for weeks on end, etc. She was my very special Gana.. and forever will be held close in thought.

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Cherish every moment with loved ones... for you never know when it will be your last moment with them. Guard your tongue in conversation, laugh often, and never forget to let them know how much you appreciate them, whether its in words, actions or deeds!

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Gana, I Miss & Love You lots... Can't wait to talk with you again =)

..RIP..