My post this time is about finding something that is universal. Cancer... not the happiest of topics, but think about it is there anyone in this big wide world that hasn't been affected by cancer? Whether its first hand experience, watching a loved one battle the disease, friends, neighbours, everyone has been touched by one way or another by this awful disease.
Every year I have participated in Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research in the hopes that one day we could live in a world where cancer doesn't exist. I've sold popcorn, baked cookies, hosted film nights, and walked countless hours raising awareness and money for cancer research. I feared last year was my last year as I was moving to the UK in early 2017. Something that had been such a big part if my life wasn't going to be anymore.
Imagine my surprise when my new cousin Amit approached me at a family gathering and asked me to join his Relay for Life team. Finally something that was familiar to me! Raising money to kick cancers butt and staying awake walking for 24 hours because cancer never sleeps.
So I joined the team of family (Amit, Maanik, Aseem, Rishi, and Jen) I didn't really know at all and set out to raise money. It wasn't easy and I didn't raise a ton (only £370) but I was doing what was familiar.
The day of the event arrived and I was extremely nervous. I didn't know anyone very well and my husband was only going to be there a few hours before having to leave me on my own. I cried when a box of fairy cakes were dropped, panicked when trying to pack everything I would need, and shed tears when I had to say goodbye to my husband, I very nearly didn't stay at the event. I felt like such an outsider in the team and didn't have anyone I really knew and my anxiety was playing up something fierce. But I knew I would forever regret not staying and fighting for a caused I believe in. I got back to our canopy with tears still in my eyes and a very kind and wonderful Aseem auntie gave me a hug and told me everything would be ok because I was there with family. And you know what it was ok! It was just like any other relay I had done. We walked in pairs talking to pass the time, I got to know my new family even better, and I raised money for cancer research. There were themed laps that were so much fun to do, we honoured survivors, we remembered those that lost their battles, and united to fight cancer. The track lined with luminaria bags was just as beautiful and moving here as it was in Pocatello. The lap of silence was just as emotional as that same lap I did in Idaho each year. Cancer is everywhere, it affects everyone. No matter what continent I live on I will continue to relay and raise money in the hopes that one day cancer will be curable. It's a fight, but I'll keep going. One step at a time.
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