I can’t do alot. . but I can do SOMETHING. . .

This year, I am walking in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on June 8^th.  If you click on the title there, you’ll go to my profile page.

As a person with diabetes, I am involved in the online community and am a Diabetes Advocate.  I’ve led support groups and taught anyone who’ll listen about diabetes.  I’ve rallied my city to participate in the Blue Monument Challenge, in November and the Planning Commission of our fair town wears blue on November 11^th, World Diabetes Day, during their televised meeting.  Whenever I hear of a PWD coming to town. . I try to rally the others for a D-meetup.  It’s not much, it’ll never be enough, but it’s SOMETHING.

As a cancer survivor. . .I haven’t had the opportunity to do much. . yet.

I participate in an exercise class with other survivors, and hopefully they feel support from me as I try to be an encouragement.  I’ve blogged, about my experience and shared my story whenever anyone is willing to listen.  I’ve also attended support groups.  Last year, I participated (by wheelchair) in the Susan G. Komen walk.  It was a tremendously moving experience for me and quite a moment when I stood to walk across the finish line, unaided, on my own two feet.  I really don’t feel I’ve done much in the way of supporting the cause of fighting cancer.

So here we go. . .

I’ve chosen this walk for this year because it allows me to pay tribute to other survivors as well as providing a way for me to honor the memory of those I’ve lost.  Cancer touched my life far before my diagnosis in March of 2011.

My very first memory of losing someone I loved was when I was 5.  My grandmother died of liver cancer and while I don’t remember much from that time. . .I do remember I loved being with her, she let me eat ketchup out of a bowl with a piece of bread and she let me throw water on my Uncle T’s face, when he wouldn’t get up in the morning.

Since that time, cancer has taken or touched lives all around me.  I’ve lost quite a few people, including my Dad, an uncle, an aunt, a dear friend.  I’ve also been inspired by many who have beaten the dreaded “C” and those who continue to fight for each new day.

If you’ve been touched by cancer, please help me pay tribute to them all.  Leave a comment below with the name of your loved one and whether they are a survivor or you’re listing their name in memoriam. I will carry the list of survivors during the survivors’ lap and the others as I complete the remaining laps.  Each name will be read, remembered and a part of my walk. As you have all been a part of my journey. . .you should all be a part of my remembrance.

If you’d prefer to keep your names private, just leave initials or their relationship to you.  You’ll know they are being remembered that day and that’s all that’s really important.

Thanks for helping me make something more of this event than just another fund raiser.

Be deliberate.

BTW. . I’m honored to have had this post chosen for “Best of ‘Betes Blogs,” June 2012.  Thanks!