Relay For Life 2012: Surprises!

Last Friday I had the opportunity to work at the 2012 Relay for Life walk a thon.  The money raised is in the fight for research against Cancer. This walk a thon was held overnight from Friday April 20, 2012 to Saturday April 21, 2012.  This event has been going strong for roughly 15 years!  This event was held at Gulfview Middle School Track.  Walking is not only one of the best ways to get activity in your life (particularly if you are older) but it can also serve grander purposes.

I have to admit that I was a captive participant.   It’s not that I don’t believe in the cause, but I’m incredibly cynical when the typical organizational disbursement to fund raising ratio tends to be 75% or less.  That means that ¾’s or less of the money raised for most causes typically go to the actual cause.  The other 25% or more go to various substantiated “expenses.”  Usually they are justified relative to a national / local charter.  The national charter can do things the local cannot relative to research and progressive treatment.  This typically comes at greater bureaucratic cost.  On the other hand,  the local chapter is significantly better at actually touching individuals who need help.  

I prefer to help in  a more direct way to individuals.  I don't generally prefer participating in national campaigns because of the bureaucratic costs.  However, being brand new in Naples, Fl and wanting to contribute to this community I had to push aside my jaded perspective.  And something very interesting happened to me.

My incredible wife was the captain of the booth.  Despite my minor annoyances (we were in direct sun light and it was warm which probably didn't help me) during set up, my wife put together with the help of the rest of the team, a really great booth. 

     Here's a picture of the Ciccarelli Advisory Services sponsored booth where 70'sPsychedelic           theme was a hit.

This photo was taken pretty close to the survivor walk which started the walk a thon at  5pm.  

 All the participants you see in purple shirts were survivors of cancer.  Some of them had incredible stories which I had the privilege to learn.  

Now the whole idea was that we all (the booth operator / sponsors) would walk around the track all night donating money to various booths which were in turn, donated to the cause.  Sadly,  by 11pm the weather wasn't cooperative, but that didn't stop us.  

Our 70's theme was a hit for kids / families.  We had some "ring toss" games that were a hit, a hoola hoop contest, and as you can see from the picture we offered 10 minute massages for $5.  I lent a helping hand with the massages along with Gaynell Anderson -Ciccarelli from Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida.  From 6:30pm to 9pm Gaynell and I gave massages to a steady crowd of participants. 

The sun set probably around 8ish.  Somewhere in there, candles in bags were placed along the track in front of the booths and a moment of silence was observed.  We were silent for all the victims to whom cancer had taken both in this year and years past.  I was moved by the silence.  

One of my goals that I read to myself on a daily basis is to work hard at seeking truth.  The truth of this gathering wasn't in the money raised, although I think a sizable amount has been donated in the fight against cancer due to this event.  

The money (although Important) is really an after thought at this event.  The truth for me was listening to the survivors tell their stories and being a participant.  By participating, I had a chance to show support and unity with complete strangers over a cause that I hope never affects me or my family directly.  The shared experience of some of these people's challenges in overcoming cancer as well as the participants enthusiasm to work together with complete strangers inspires me.  

We don't have to be familiar with one another to really know each other.  And organizational objections don't have to stop us from participating in a local event.  To see members of our communities, people we could know, walk in strength of their convictions to participate in a shared fight against an unfair adversary and to become aware of how our lives can be changed together I am led to the best part of this event:

That's what I learned.  I urge us all to find this.

Mo-tate.  Motivate your life to Motion.