ACS RELAY WALK DAY!!!!

HOORAY!!! IT IS ACS RELAY WALK DAY!

We are very excited today with the American Cancer Society's Relay day at hand. We have our shirts, and cooler of water and bug spray and sunscreen all ready to go...hats in hand, and the greatest attitude ever. Last year at this time, I was in the midst of my battle...I believe I was about in round 4 of chemo...exhausted, we headed out for the walk...I was bald...totally bald...with my little turban thingee around my head I headed out, feeling a bit self conscious...UNTIL, I got out there....around all the other people....current fighters, survivors...caregivers, family and friends...all who "GOT IT"....who embraced me, cared for me, and made me feel, at home...at ease....and just plain NORMAL. That was such a gift to me, and to my family. My girlfriends Stacie and Sarah came out and joined us. My girlfriend Sharon (another survivor) and I walked until I was so physically exhausted I could do no more....but it was the best tired ever...it made me feel like I too, could beat the beast...come out the winner....I had a new lease on life and treatment when I walked and SAW all the survivors...young and old.

Now, today, I get to attend as a SURVIVOR. I still get chills and tears when I type that word....SURVIVOR...it is so sweet. I hope to be out there tonight, and be an encourager...maybe there will be someone just like I was last year...feeling a bit hopeless or down, and maybe, just maybe...I can show them that they too can win this fight...and that they are never alone. EVER.

If you are able, please come out and join us tonight. Canaries stadium is where the walk will take place, from 6pm-6 am.

I hope to post some pictures in the coming days, especially of all the luminaries we did for our dear friends~ both survivors, current battlers and those who bravely fought, but lost the war.

Today, I remember my Uncle Bob Schultze, who left us to be with our Lord and Savior on July 4th, 2007, and my Aunt Renea' who lost her fight one year to the day before Bob, on July 4th 2006. I sat at Renea's bedside in the weeks prior to her passing, and was with her in the moment she proceeded to Heaven...it changed me forever. They are gone, but NEVER forgotten. I love them both dearly.

To Jackie K....keep fighting the good fight girl...we are here with you....

To all my survivor friends.....Keep have our "ROCK STAR" days.....and keep encouraging on the countless fighters that need us now.

You all go out and have a "ROCK STAR" day for me...and I hope to see you all at the walk tonight!

JOYFULLY Yours, and grateful to be alive today, and everyday,

JULIE