Relay for Life

Walking into the Great Room was like walking into a concert. With the live band playing its music, there were people everywhere; some on the floor huddled together, some walking the track, some goofing around, others dancing, and others running their station.

I immediately spotted the girls on the floor spread out on blankets surrounding, well I would say campfire but in this case, a ton of food piled up. My basketball family was ready for the long haul tonight.

We laughed and joked around, telling each other stories about the week and occasionally throwing a little food at one another. We got up and supported one another during specific events like when Kirby tried to imitate Snookie from Jersey Shore, when Hagaman tried to stack awkwardly shaped red delicious apples, and when Jessie rocked out and sang “Jar of Hearts.” (On a side note, Jessie won! She won a year supply of bagels from Panera Bread and I am sure that if she is reading this she may consider sharing with the team.  ) When things started to get a little tough because it was almost 2’oclock in the morning, I decided to liven things up by silly stringing Tommy Berry in the face. It definitely caused some laughs and revved us up for the next 5 or so more hours.

But underneath all of the excitement, the fun and games, and the quality time we were all sharing, we were here in support of Relay for Life. This was an important event that fundraised for people struggling with caner, surviving cancer, or passed on because of cancer. Every minute of every part of the fundraiser, we were reminded of those who have either won or lost their fight with cancer. Walking the track lined with lights dedicated to those we have loved and lost was what the fundraiser was all about. Although one of us was always walking the track at all times, there was a moment when every one of us walked the track. Every one of us have either lost or known of a family member or friend from cancer.

It was during that walk of silence to honor all those that we love, that my little basketball family once again united and shared another common bond.
- Rachel Ferri :)