Day 27

I had a wonderful evening last night...a friend held a fundraiser for Get In Touch at her hair salon - a "Healthy Cocktail Party" - and it was wonderful to be with women interested in healthy living, celebrating survivorship and "girl power!"

One of the gals there opened up to me about the painful loss of her sister to a very rare cancer five years ago. She asked me if I would be willing to be the Keynote Speaker for the Luminaria Ceremony at the Relay For Life in Waterbury, CT on June 6th. She is chairing this wonderful part of the Relay and was at a loss for a survivor who she felt could inspire and motivate the crowd. Of course I said, "Yes!" I've been a Keynote Speaker at many Relay For Life events in Connecticut and participated in my hometown even before my own cancer diagnosis in 2004.

She is struggling to find a Caregiver Speaker, and after listening to her tender recount of her sister's illness and final days, I asked her why she didn't consider telling her story - her sister's story - at the Relay. She seemed unsure, but I believe that by the end of the evening I might have convinced her that sharing this part of herself would be a beautiful testimony to the life of her sister and their relationship, still very much alive, even in death.

I learned so much from this lovely woman last night...I hope she recognizes that ability and shares herself this June with a crowd that is eager to learn.

Hope Lives!
Mary Ann