"Relay for Life"

Last night was very special to me. I was invited, by Mr. Bonneau of the CCS office, to attend our community's 5th annual "Relay for Life." I was not part of a team but was there as a guest. They wanted to recognize me for DorisDollars!

For anyone who doesn't know, the "Relay for Life" is made up of teams of 10 people who walk, run or stroll around a track in a non-competitive relay. Each member of a team must raise at least $100... but, of course, many raise much more. It's a 12-hour event and the teams walk all night. People on the teams might be friends, family or maybe they work together. We saw people of all ages.

You can tell who is who at the event by their tshirts: team members wear white ones, volunteers wear blue. Then, there is a sea of bright yellow shirts. Those people are the survivors. We were amazed by just how many yellow shirts we could see.

The relay is started by a Survivors Lap. It's a victory lap to celebrate their courage in the battle against cancer and to give people hope. A special moment was held with all of the survivors. They did a butterfly release. It was the first time we had ever seen something like it and it was so beautiful. Two ladies read what the Native American legend tells us about the butterflies and then each survivor was given a cardboard holder containing their own live butterfly. Here is the legend:

If anyone desires a wish to come true, they must capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since they make no sound, they can't tell anyone but the Great Spirit, so by making the wish and releasing the butterfly, it will be taken to the heavens and granted.

My sister, Robyn, filmed a short video of the moment the butterflies were released. You can watch it here. You might find it hard to see them but they hovered just above people's heads for a bit and it shows some fluttering against the sky.

I was surprised when my mom and I were standing watching the release and a lady came to me and gave me a cardboard container with a butterfly of my own! I slowly opened it and there was my pretty black and orange butterfly. It stood up but didn't fly away. It walked gently across the cardboard and then it stood on my finger! I stood for a long time, with that beautiful butterfly on my finger, and the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" playing for the crowd. My mom and I were both crying. I made my wish and the butterfly flew... but it didn't go away. It came back and landed on the ground beside me. A lady bent down to pick it up and then, at the moment, it flew off into the sky, carrying my wish.

After that, the teams were called, one by one to the track and the relay began. That is when they came to get me. They took me out to the front of the tent, at the edge of the track, and a very nice man by the name of Guy Girardeau spoke. He told everyone about me and DorisDollars and said how proud they were that I was doing this project, especially at my age. Then they gave me a white team tshirt and some nice pins and everyone was applauding. I felt so proud and my mom said I had the biggest smile on my face!

For the rest of the night, there was always something going on. We watched many people shave their heads in support of the cause. One girl (who was maybe 15 or 16) decided on the spot that, if the crowd could raise $100 right then and there, she would shave her long hair... and she did it! That inspired many more people to do the same. An extra $1,000 was raised just during that event. The dj played great music and people clapped and danced and cheered. It was FUN!

As it got later, I was anxious to see the Luminary Ceremony. The luminaries are white bags containing candles. People buy them and have the names of loved ones placed on the bags. Then, volunteers place all the bags around the edge of the track. They help to light the way and inspire the walkers too! I wanted to see ours lit in memory of my Grandma. I was so sad when the skies opened up and it POURED. There was thunder and lightening... but the teams never stopped walking! Finally, they decided to go ahead and try to light the luminaries. Two bagpipers walked the track and candles were lit as they passed. Not every one was lit but I felt really good seeing those flickering lights.

At midnight, we left for home. We didn't stay all night this year but, next year, I think I'd like to be on a team. Actually, I think I will try to start a team for DorisDollars. My family is ready to walk with me! So, I know it's a year away but it's another way that I can work towards my goal.

I would like to thank Mr. Paul Bonneau for inviting me to the "Relay for Life." I would like to thank M. et Mme Hurteau for meeting my family at the Welcome tent, taking me where I needed to go and explaining what would happen. A special thank you (and another hug!) to Mr. Guy Girardeau for sitting with us and telling us about the relay, the CCS and for offering to help me with anything I need to reach my goal. Mr. Girardeau had only just finished his chemotherapy and yet he was there to volunteer and even to celebrate me. The whole night was a real inspiration and one that I don't think I will ever forget!

Love, Kelsey.