Last weekend I participated in the East County Relay for Life held at Cuyamaca College. It was such a fun event for attendees while serving a noble purpose. Teams participated in competitions and everyone got into the spirit of the themed walks. I surprised myself - didn't know I had the 15 miles in me that my watch recorded.
The money raised will:

• Help fund breakthrough research
• Give over 20,000 cancer patients free rides to chemo
• Help more than 25,000 people touched by cancer with a free place to stay near a hospital
• Provide answers and support to more than 1.3 million people who call the live 24/7 helpline
  

One of the event's most touching traditions is the Luminaria Ceremony. During this ceremony, participants represent everyone touched by cancer with a luminaria. Each light represents a life—a life taken by cancer, a survivor of cancer, or a support for a person still fighting the disease. It's a powerful demonstration that gives people the opportunity to grieve but also offers comfort and hope. There are many people in my family who have died from cancer and some who are fighting it now. It was an honor to light luminarias and walk for them.

Cancer has affected so many people I know and love. That's why I've learned how to provide safe oncology massage for those who need it. It also has inspired me to join a team with my colleagues from EmbroidMe La Mesa in  the Relay For Life in El Cajon. This fundraiser is a community-based event, which means no two Relays are the same, but they all support the American Cancer Society’s mission. 

In addition to walking in the relay, I'm donating two 60 minute massages to be raffled off at our booth to raise additional money for the event.

Funds raised support cancer patient programs and groundbreaking research that can help save lives. This event also celebrates over 15.5 million cancer survivors nationwide. 15.5 MILLION. That’s huge. That’s why I’d love your support.

How can you help? There are three ways that come to mind:

1. Dedicate a Luminaria to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who has overcome cancer.
2. Make a donation.
3. Attend the event and support the booths and food fundraisers.

Here's a link to my event page:  main.acsevents.org/goto/darleneshaw
Together we can fight cancer and win!