I Relay because I want to see an end to cancer during my lifetime.
Relay gives me the unique opportunity to celebrate the lives of those
who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and support the
American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission by fighting back against a
disease that has already taken too much.



My father was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in 2006. My life came
crashing down as I heard that horrible word; cancer. Everyone hears the
news different and takes the news different. I was shopping for
groceries in Walmart when I received the call and it was cancer. He had
been in and out the hospital just before the diagnosis came due to a
horrible bladder infection that caused bleeding. The hospital stays
were to flush his bladder and stop the bleeding. After a little further
investigation into the bleeding and the bloodwork that was not up to
par an investigative scoping was done to see what was the cause for
concern. This is when the cancer was discovered.



For years I thought of cancer as a death sentence. Everyone I had known
including my grandfather had lost their battle to cancer. This time I
thought I was losing my father slowly and began coming to terms with
the idea. After learning more about the diagnosis, what it meant when
T1 was used, and the specific treatments started to battle this, I
realized it was not a death sentence. I expected my father to undergo
chemotherapy or radiation treatment since. This was not the case. First
thing done was remove the cancer from the bladder. Once this was healed
he was given treatments through his bladder. If successful chemotherapy
or radiation would not be required. Two years later he is still cancer
free. We are not out of the woods but as the time passes without a sign
of cancer, chances increase he will never be afflicted with this again.



A few years ago I was invited to a Relay for Life event. I only stayed
and walked a few laps but the cause was touching. It wasn't until 2008
when my husbands uncle was diagnosed that I decided I needed to do
something other than pray my father and others would come through this.
In June of 2008 I formed the So Chic Bag Boutique team and walked all night in our fight. We
raised only a few dollars but the awareness we created was priceless.
This year we are stepping up our game and not only raising more
awareness but our dollars too. Several events are planned from now to
June 26 when we Relay to raise funds of $1000+ and raise awareness of cancer and all that Relay for Life and American Cancer society does for everyone.



Our goal this year is $1000 as team So Chic Bag Boutique. I would like to see that
doubled. If we just get just $1 more than last year and broaden our
awareness, we have done our job and that is what matters here.



Many do not realize what the American Cancer society does. It is more
than cancer research and fundraising. The American Cancer society
offers a 24/7/365 hotline for support and information. They help you
find programs to help with medical costs. Have a family member in the
hospital away from home? They can help you find a place to stay. They
don't stop here. There is far more that they do and they fight and
support every possible cancer case there is.



Learn more about the Relay for Life and team So Chic Bag Boutique's efforts here:

http://main.acsevents.org/..goto/SoChicBagBoutique.com

Also join our application to bring about awareness here on MySpace at
http://www.causes.com/myspace/causes/212950?e=679ca242&recruiter_id=45223562