Why Relay?

Because fighting cancer is much like Colorado's weather, and it's the least we can do...

For the eighth year now, this newspaper is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Fountain Valley Relay for Life.

Itís come a long way in its few years of existence. Along the way, weíve had the blessing of getting to know numerous cancer survivors. Iím happy to say most are still with us, thanks to the advances in research, etc. which are funded in part by proceeds of Relay for Life celebrations- including ours!

We cherish the memories and the inspiration we gained from those who are no longer here. Those who so courageously fought cancer with all they had, teaching us so many lessons along the way, even in their last days...

The first Fountain Valley Relay (for which I was one of a mere few in charge of planning the event), was actually "snowed out." (Which I was told is a rare thing in the Relay world.) But given that it was the Fountain Valleyís first event- it was rescheduled for the first weekend in June- and ever since, it has been a June event! Weíve seen sunsets that could only created by the Good Lord above, as well as rain and wind and just about every kind of weather in the years since. I liken the varied weather conditions to the side effects and very conditions cancer creates in peoplesí lives. There are the ups and downs, good and bad. And, the reason Relay for Life is an overnight event is simple- cancer doesn't magically go away at night. It is there- through the darkest and loneliest of nights.

I'm proud to say that over the years, our local Relay has grown and blossomed beautifully. I can't wait to see what a great turnout there will be this year.

Since the beginning, each year I have written a column about "Why Relay?" We became involved in the very first Fountain Valley Relay as a tribute and in memory of this newspaperís co-founders, the late H. Kay Larson and the late Carl H. Wiese (who was my stepfather, business mentor and friend), who both were taken from us much too early in their lives by cancer. It seemed like the natural choice, not to mention so vital to do all we could to help make a difference in the lives of the many local residents, friends and family members of ours who are or might one day be faced with battling this horrible disease...

Since that first year, I've included other names and faces to go with the Why Relay theme- former staff members and friends, and even two dear dogs that were more like children to Ray and I, that succumbed to different forms of cancer, too. Iíve written about some survivors I know, as well as the few scares my husband has had with being told he had cancer, only to later learn differently (thanks to the Good Lord!!!)

Last year, two ìnewî people were added in my remembrances after losing their battles with cancer. One was long-time friend and neighbor, Richard Freeman, whose battle with cancer was short in comparison to others.

A lot of us were equally inspired by the second person- Michael Downing, a local youth who touched the hearts of many here during his gallant fight with cancer. He was first diagnosed while attending Fountain-Fort Carson High School where he was quite the active young man, played football and more.

The Fountain community came to know Michael thanks to the efforts of his fellow students, including those who put together the ìMiles for Michaelî fund-raising event two years ago. Over 1,000 were said to have attended Michaelís memorial service- probably just a small showing of all the lives Michael touched during his courageous fight with cancer.

In life and in death, Michael, like Richard and Carl and Kay and so many, many others- showed us how to live, and how to face obstacles along the way.

I truly believe that during the Relay their beautiful lights will be reflected on the faces of family, friends, other survivors, and in the glow of the candles light during the luminaria ceremony they will be there, with us, in spirit.

Cheers to our survivors, especially one who is so dear to us

Also, let us remember those who continue to fight cancer, all of our survivors- be it from their first day or two of diagnosis to those who have been in remission or are considered ìcuredî through treatments, surgery, etc... They are inspirations in their own right and we join them this Relay (and everyday) in their successes over cancer.

One very special survivor whom I (and the News staff, and many of you) have come to know this year is our "semi-new" photographer/reporter Lezley Woolf. She has served as this year's Team Development Coordinator for the Relay. Though we didnít meet at past relays at which we were both in attendance, I feel like Iíve known this courageous and inspiring woman for years.... She continues to bring cheer to our office with her great big, beautiful smile and kindnesses, just as she inspires each of us to face each new day with a positive outlook and faith that good things will come- in the Lordís time.

Thanks Lezley, for all you do to let your shine and help make the newspaper (and the atmosphere at the News office) brighter, because you are with us!!

PATTY'S ARCHIVES
4-11-07 | 4-25-07 | 5-2-07 | 5-16-07 | 5-23-07 | 6-6-07 | 6-13-07 | 6-20-07
6-13-07 | 7-4-07 | 7-11-07 | 7-18-07 |7-25-07 | 8-8-07 | 10-24-07 | 11-1-07
| 11-12-07 | 11-26-07 | 11-28-07 | 12-5-07 | 12-12-07 | 12-26-07 | 1-2-08
1-9-08 | 1-16-08 | 2-20-08 | 2-27-08 | 3-5-08 | 3-12-08 | 3-26-08 | 4-2-08 | 4-9-08 | 4-16-08 | 4-23-08 | 5-7-08
5-14-08 | 5-21-08 | 5-28-08