Editor:

The American Cancer Society’s Live Oak County Relay for Life blew in on a blustery breeze this past Friday. The whipping wind was invigorating yet, exhausting and chilling in its intensity.

The weather itself seemed to sympathize with the cancer journey. The sense of being caught up and carried along by something more than you can grasp is a common experience for both cancer patient and care giver. Survivors and care givers owe a debt of gratitude to the Relay for Life Team. Their hours of dedicated work made this year’s event wonderful and satisfying for every attendee. The financial gain will go a long way toward cancer research. The fun that community members of all ages and walks of life experienced will be long remembered. 

For those of us who have lost loved ones to cancer, participation in Relay for Life was bitter sweet. Yet our experience is validated by the gift of a Relay for Life event. The event is positive, it is healing, it is hope filled. 

Hope filled - who doesn’t need Hope when confronted with cancer? 

Thank you, Debra Brown and your compassionate team of volunteers. Your efforts at Relay for Life are a reminder to count our many blessings while never losing HOPE.  

Crickett Iley, Survivor

George West