Maybe overcoming cancer in our children’s lifetime would be acceptable, considered an undeniable victory. But what about my father’s lifetime? Well there’s the rub, it didn’t happen in his lifetime, the fact of the matter is lung cancer took my dad a long time before I was ready to let him go. I know without a doubt in my mind there was much more living he had planned to do. I hate that this strong, confident man I loved so much is gone from my life. For me, remaining ambivalent about cancer is not possible.

I also know that I’m not alone in my experience of loss and there are so many other people out there with similar stories, the same heartfelt feelings and an aching need to make things right in their life. Getting involved with Relay for Life activities puts me together with these passionate and dedicated people. Each person, for their own reasons, has joined together in a supporting and positive environment to do their small but important part to make cancer go away.

So, maybe after all there is a deadline, but one we all must contend with in our own way. I choose North Whidbey’s Relay for Life to be held June 2 and 3 at the North Whidbey Middle School. Maybe you or your group will want to join us in this fun and moving community event.

Challenge yourself, challenge your family or your co-workers, and raise some money in the fight against cancer.

For more information on how you can get involved, please check the Web site at www.islandcancer.org or call Myron Brundage at 675-1444 or Linda Kaser, 679-1583.