Relay for Life

Every year, Christie and her family participates in the Relay for Life to raise funds for cancer research.  She started it in honor of her mother, but unfortunately over the years she has known too many people affected by the awful disease.  This year, we were in town and we able to go and support her and this awesome cause.  It was special to be there all together as a family!

Christie had already put together a luminary (a bag that they light up at night during a special ceremony) for her mom, so Paige and I did some for my mom and family members that have been affected by cancer.  On Nani's bag Paige drew a picture of her and Nani making cookies together!

For every lap of the track that the kids walked, they earned one bead for their necklace.  This was a HUGE incentive for Molly and she walked more laps than anyone in our family.  Afterwards she said that she liked knowing that she was doing something good for Grandma because she missed her so much.

Throughout the day they have special "laps" to keep the teams going.  They include things like the "high heels" lap and the "glow in the dark" lap.  Every year Luke participates in the "Miss Relay for Life" lap... which is basically when all the men/boys dress in women's clothing!  He wasn't overly thrilled with the extra attention it was getting him, but a lollipop seemed to fix that!

 

It was really special to witness something that has become so important to Christie and to reflect on all the people we know and love that have been affected by cancer.  I'm so glad we were able to be there for a while!