One Year Anniversary

January 30, 2004

Join me in celebrating the one year anniversary of Erin's tandem stem cell transplant. For cancer patients who have stem cell transplant, it is truly like a new birthday. The old (tumor as well as blood) is killed off and is re-born in new life with stem cells, those special cells that grow themselves into life-giving red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

Another thing to celebrate. Erin has the privilege of serving as the honorary chair this year for the American Cancer Society's 9th Annual Relay For Life in Bryan/College Station (April 23-24). This event is the national signature fundraiser for ACS. The money raised goes toward research, education, patient services, advocacy, and scholarships to students with cancer.

Erin will sit up on stage during Opening Ceremony (Friday, April 23, 7p.m.). Either at the beginning or prior to the Cancer Survivor Kick-off, which follows the opening ceremony, the event coordinator Laura Hall will introduce Erin and tell the story of Erin's fight against cancer. Then, just before the survivor lap kick off Erin, as Honorary Chair, will cut the ribbon and make her lap around the track with other area cancer survivors. This lap signals the start of the Relay For Life event.

Relay for Life goes on all night, as local fund raising teams keep at least one member of their team circling the track at all times until morning. At 10 p.m. there is a beautiful Luminaria Ceremony. For $5 anyone who wishes can buy a luminaria in honor or in memory of someone with cancer. These are lined up around the track. They shut off all the stadium lights, and team members walk the track while the names of the honorees are read. A very moving and touching way to celebrate the lives of those we know who are fighting or have fought this disease.

The last lap starts at 6:45 a.m. Saturday morning. This is the victory lap to say we did it! For teams the we did it is raising money to save yet another life! For survivor's it means another day conquered!