My mom died of kidney cancer on Christmas Day, 2006. Before the cancer made itself known, she was a vibrant, active woman. She rode in motorcycle rallies, worked on a hot air balloon team, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Fortunately for her, the fight was short. She was so strong through her fight, but the most amazing thing she did was teach her family how to lose the fight with grace and dignity. Five days before Momma died, my precious Madison, my first grandchild, her first great-grandchild, was born. I do Relay in memory of Momma but I also do it in hopes that during Madison's life she may see a cure.
Prior to joining Relay I had lost my grandfather, an uncle, and cousin. Since joining Relay for Life in 2008 I have lost an uncle and two very dear friends to cancer - Carolyn Ledbetter to breast cancer and Judy Sanchez to brain cancer. Three years ago, Carolyn’s 40-year-old daughter, Alanda, lost her fight with breast cancer. All these people will forever be in my heart and my memories because of the love and friendship they showed me in the years we had together.
Prior to 2008 I wrote a check supporting my sister, Susan, in her RFL efforts. In 2008 it became my way of healing as I began to walk in the Relay for Life. Each year has been such a rewarding experience that I'm back again for my fifteenth Relay in November, 2022, and my 11th year in the role of team captain for the Mommas in Pajamas. For nine of those years our team has been at RFL Sugar Land and we were the top social fundraising team for eight out of nine of those years. Thanks to all our family and friends for supporting us! The last two years our Relay was rolled into a joint Relay with Brazoria County.
Besides my team, I am serving on the planning committee for a ninth year, I have served as the Team Recruitment, Retention and Development Chair, Event Co-Lead, and Event Lead. Therefore, I will make the plug: have you considered forming a team for RFL? Now is a great time to do it! Relay is great fun and I know it has been great support for me to see all the survivors. I would be happy to answer any questions you have.
When I started walking fifteen years ago, I set my goal at $100 and I raised a little over $1,000. Every year you amaze me with your generosity. Last year you helped my raise over $5,300. Once again you exceeded my $5,000 goal! Thank you so very much!!
One of my team’s most successful fundraisers is selling pillowcases. In years past we have been able to attend a few craft shows before the Relay event. However, since this year’s event is in November all the craft shows we are booked into will take place after our Relay. Please check “Coming Events” for a list of the craft shows. If I have time, I will photograph some of the pillowcases and show them on the Mommas in Pajamas Relay For Life Facebook page. We have actually made some sales from our FB page!
Every year we hold Turn Our World Purple Dancing For A Cure fundraiser in March. Because of the timing of last year’s dance and this year’s Relay, the money we raised at DFAC is reflected in this year’s fundraising.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of Mom's death and my joining Relay for Life, I have set my goal high this year $10,000. I know it is a lot, but I am starting with $3,077 that I was credited with from our dance in March. We will be selling our pillowcases at 5 craft shows in the next two months. The sales from the pillowcases get credited to the members of our team for this year’s event. I plan to do everything I can to meet my goal. I know the dance was successful and I know the pillowcase sales will be successful and I hope to be able to raise at least $5,000 in sales at the craft shows, however that money is shared with my teammates. Once again, I will need your help as always.
Here is the appeal: Would you please support me in this event with a monetary donation, by purchasing a Luminaria or Locks of Hope in memory, in support or in celebration of a loved one. You may learn more about the event and make donations or purchase Luminaria by visiting My "Official" Relay For Life personal page. For the Locks of Hope, please find the form here.
As you look at my official page keep in mind how cancer has affected you and the ones you love. I can't think of anyone I know that has not been affected by this nasty disease. In my case my mother almost sixteen years ago and having to say goodbye to my dear friends Carolyn, Judy and Alanda have been heartbreaking. As of today, when I say my prayers, I have 9 people that are on my prayer list because of cancer. One is a 6-year-old little girl. I have meet so many cancer patients, families, and cancer survivors over the last sixteen years through Relay. Everyone’s story is different and heartbreaking but at the same time they can be so similar and up-lifting. All of them have been filled with love and good memories along with the bad ones. I ask you to keep all these wonderful people in your prayers.
As always thank you so very much for all the wonderful support you always give me. I am blessed to have every one of you in my life.