Helping others and sometimes even yourself

For the past six or so years I have participated in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure. I participate in that event to honor my friend Judy, who fought a brave, but ultimately losing battle with the disease for over 10 years, for my friend Candy and others I know who are, happily, survivors of the disease, and in support of several friends that are currently in the battle.

Last year, for the first time, I participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. As odd as this is going to sound (and then again maybe not to those of you who know me well) I have never thought of myself as a cancer survivor. It was something I had, had surgery, got rid of and that was that. That is until the first day of the Relay for Life, where the opening lap is taken by participating cancer survivors. To take that walk with so many courageous people, with the other participants lining the course and applauding, was truly one of the most moving experiences of my life. I continue to wear my purple Survivors tee shirt with pride.

So now I have two events that mean so much to me, and there is just no way for me to choose between them, so, of course, that means I’ll be participating in both this year as well! And (here’s where you come in) I am hoping that you will support my participation in one or both, as many of you have so generously done in the past.

I am providing the links to my donation pages for both events. If you feel strongly about donating to one event more than the other, then by all means, please put your resources where your heart is. If, on the other hand, you appreciate the work of both of these wonderful organizations, a pledge to each event would be most appreciated.

To support my participation in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure on March 14, 2010 please visit my personal pledge page at

http://www.komenlacounty.org/race2010/dianeinla

To support my participation in the Relay for Life on May 22, 2010, please visit my personal pledge page at

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY10National?px=11369820&pg=personal&fr_id=20558

Thank you for supporting me, and for supporting these wonderful charities.