STAND: An Exhibition of Survivors and Fighters features HOH Members

It's been said many times that no two people travel the same journey, but when it comes to the fight against cancer there is a common bond that can be found in every story you will encounter when you visit STAND: An Exhibition of Survivors and Fighters.  This is the brain child of Catalina Staheli, member of the Relay Rockers RFL team and the photographer who generously donates her time to create the "Why Do You Relay? photos, , free of charge (though she has a general donation kiosk that you can contribute) to anyone who makes an appointment.

Two members of our Harmony of Hope team, Cathy10 Longoria and my dad, TS Darrow, participated in this exhibit and are sharing pieces of their stories with the masses.

When it's your story to tell, to open up a wound to the whole SL world you have to consider the courage and strength these two members of our team.  So, why would the tell their story?  When I'm healing from something I tend to not want not talk nor think about it and do my best to move forward; put the past in the past.  However, I had to stop and think what if this were my cancer story? Would I want to share all or even a glimpse into my very personal experience?

It caused me to gain a depth of respect for Cathy, Dad, and the others showcased in this magnificent exhibit. Condensed into a notecard, along with 2-3 simply breath taking photographs Catalina contributed for each featured survivor or fighter; they opened a piece of their real lives...their cancer journey...anywhere from diagnosis to their status today.

That is part of what the Relay for Life campaign is founded on; creating a community of caretakers, survivors and more to create an open dialogue and of course, raise money for the American Cancer Society as they assist the medical community in finding ways to control and even cure the vast and varied forms of cancer that plague our society.  In telling their stories, these strong people will give hope and courage to those who are also taking a cancer journey...as a survivor, a caretaker, a fighter...because it's for them we must continue to Relay.

Please take the time to explore this event STAND: A Survivor and Fighters Exhibit LM ; the original dates were May 2-10, 2015 with events happening every day, but it was my understanding that the Relay Rockers have said they will continue to keep the exhibit open until the closing of our relay season.  Watch the notices in the Volunteers group for updates.

The Future is NOW!

Harmony of Hope 2015 Kicks Off!!!

 Harmony of Hope meeting led by Team Cantina Dianna Wycliffe and Co-Captain Cloey Bechir

Postcards for Mother's Day

From Dianna Wycliffe in Memory of Her Mom

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, I don't even think an hour goes by without you in my thoughts. 

Thank you for your patience when I didn't want to listen, when I thought I knew better. When I just wanted to be my own person, without you interfering and bugging me.

Thank you interfering and bugging me, because without you, I wouldn't be the woman or mother then I am today! 

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday Mom, 

you are in my heart forever and always! I love you!

Dianna

In Honor of J. Morning Dove from Jules

The tiniest things that last a lifetime embedded in our heart, soul and mind. The things that will make me smile (maybe even shed a tear) when I'm 90. While we might not always see eye to eye... I'd never trade you:

Sunday morning waffles

Lee Greenwood, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow

The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie

Chores: Dishes, house cleaning

Planting and watering the garden

Sound of the sewing machine late at night

Blue "Moldy" Almond M&M's

Long talks on the front steps of the house

Learning to drive...that mail box jumped out at me!

Water or Rubber band fights in the house

Learning to cook... "mmmmm pork chops!"

Your Laugh and snort..that I inherited

"You can't help or fix everyone!"

"I'm so proud of the fact I raised a strong woman who 

will never take any $#!^ from anyone!"

Jules

Cathy in Honor of her Mom

In Honor of My Mom,  Love this lady...without her I would be nothing...the past 3 years she has been my rock...she got me through cancer and is now helping my dad on his cancer journey...She is truly my hero and a superwoman!

Cathy Longoria

From Tee

In Memory of my Mom, Margaret Todd

My Mother died of ovarian cancer on a Memorial Day. She was diagnosed on an Easter Monday.  In addition to the cancer, she died after surgery from the complications of a heart attack and stroke. This is before we knew she had cancer and could sign a DNR.

She was a brilliant, loving and hard working woman.She was my best friend and it was the hardest lost I’ve ever taken. This is why I Relay.

Tee Auster

"Why I Relay" by Cathy10 Longoria

Hi there, my name is Cathy10 Longoria.

 

I'm participating in the Second Life 2014 Relay For Life.

I am a proud member of "Harmony of Hope".

I relay in honor of myself as a recent cancer survivor, my father who is currently fighting lymphoma, and my "Fabulous 5" co-workers.

I have colleagues and friends who fought and won their battle with cancer.

 

 

This is my first year participating in RFL in SL and Committee.
I have relayed for real world relay events, but never took it seriously until 2013.
My personal battle with thyroid cancer was temporary, but I will have a few minor challenges for the rest of my life. I am glad their is a cure for thyroid cancer.

My father has lymphoma and his battle began in March, 2013. I walk alongside him in his journey with the rest of my family.

My mother is his caregiver and was involved in every step of my journey. She, along with other caregivers, are amazing. My admiration for her magnified ten-fold for her strength to help her daughter through cancer and now her husband in less than three years.

During my time with cancer, four of my co-workers fought their battle with cancer. We are known as the "Fabulous 5". One lost her battle with cancer and the rest of us won our battles.

I relay in honor of myself as a recent cancer survivor, my father who is currently fighting lymphoma, and my "Fabulous 5" co-workers.

I am also the Area Lead for Sponsorships on the Public Relations Committee for Relay for Life in Second Life. Donations and sponsorships are much appreciated...good way to put your Why I Relay? into action.

"Those who have suffered, understand suffering, and therefore extend their hand."

Cathy10 Longoria

Survivor~Caregiver~Fabulous Five

CELEBRATE

REMEMBER

FIGHT BACK

Why I Relay by TS Darrow

This is my 7th year of relaying in Second Life.

I relay because this Journey of Promise is not over.

I will continue the fight until no one ever has to hear the words "you have cancer".

I relay for those who cannot and for every hero who lost their battle.

I proudly relay with my team Harmony of Hope.

I am also honored to relay with my strong spirited wife who is my inspiration.

We will fight until there is a cure!

TS DARROW
Co Captain Harmony of Hope

CELEBRATE

REMEMBER

FIGHT BACK

 

Harmony of Hope~ 17,000 page views and going strong!