My trip this weekend to the only nordic Relay this weekend in Stowe after Schuyler’s Mighty Might Challenge. It was a busy day, skiing all day, driving to the event – – taking photos in the rain — the rain stopped – – I skied about 10 laps around the course and the tents in the snow – – alongside the skate sleds, the xtry skiers, classic and skate, the snow shoeing people… I did make it in time for the opening ceremony where the President of Johnson State College gave the opening remarks, how all our lives are touched by cancer as she named off the immediate circle of recent and past diagnosis she personally experiences…
I pause to think of my friend fighting, those surviving,(Susan and Keith – the strongest woman and man I know that fight daily… ), those still fighting (Naomi’s dad), those lost (Chester my beloved dog, Kim the incredible volunteer from Boulder, Diana Love the number one volunteer in Western NH for so many years). Strong lives lost and strong ones continuing to live with this disease – – including those I meet at each of these events that touch my heart and my soul and keep me working for the cure – – I know so many incredible people from my travels around the country, survivors of all kinds – – fueling the fight in so many. 4700 events this year nationwide – it is mind blowing if you think about it, how communities across the country put these overnight events together and celebrate survivorship with those they know and honor those they have lost and spend time talking, supporting, having fun and celebrating life – yes this is a celebration.
The tent was warm, the outside snow was wet and a bit slick, the teams were so spirited. I took many pictures, but lost them on my hard drive, I was so sad, and still am, after my friend and I search and tried to recover them…. But the spirit and the pictures are still in my head. The season is just beginning, the passion for the fight – – stay tuned….. here we go!
