A Special introduction

Hello again,

Things are getting busier; lot's going on in my real life and especially with Relay For Life of Second Life.

Hope you are checking the event listing and information boards around the grid, hitting those events and giving often and generously. I know I've been broke since Relay started. Even had to borrow some Lindens from a friend to cover my rent this week!! Woopsies!

I wish to introduce someone to you, he's a very dear friend of mine in real life, I've know him all my life and we've traveled the road of life together, for a very long time. He's been my best friend, big brother ever since I've known him in school, and someone I could always count on in times of need. Even thought we parted ways at times, we never lost contact with each other, and always share each other lives and interest.

Well, since I've found myself in Relay For Life of Second Life and my sharing with him my discoveries, he's grown curious about what Second Life is all about, so he's joined us in world. But not only that, he wants to help me Relay, because we share similar friends and interwoven families, we’ve been each other caregiver’s support person to almost the same survivor group of people, and so I have invited him to co-author with me on our site.

I HOPE you welcome him warmly, as he's one of those amazing people and I am so glad to have him in my real life and now Second Life, he has big shoulders, a warm heart, caring and compassionate, and there's more than enough of him to go around.

Let me introduce you to my dear friend, Bain Finch of Second Life.

Jennifer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greetings and thanks Jenni for those lovely words.

WoW, after several days of solid exploring this new (new to me) virtual world, I AM HOOKED. I still have the words from Aldous Huxley's sci-fi novel "Brave New World" ringing through my mind. I have ton of exploring to do, but seeing the size of this place, it could be a life long hobby.

I’ve know the typist of the avatar, that is Jennifer Curtau since we were both in high school, way back when. Right from the start we connected, and didn’t take long for both of us to realize we had a special connection to each other. We had one of those connections, that was more than friendship, more than family, and way beyond lovers and we knew how special that was.

I remember the day she heard, her dad found to have colon cancer. She could hardly talk to me over the phone. My boss was sitting across from me in the same room as I took the call and was quick to gather what was going. I hung up the phone and before I had had a chance to digest the call and he calmly said to me, “WTF are you still doing here? Get going!” I flew home, gathered a travel bag and drove the 2-1/2 drive to her parent’s home in record time. I found her there, putting on one of those “brave faces” one tend to wear, when ones find themselves as a virgin cancer caregiver, but everyone knows, you have not remotely come to terms this. We hugged, I when on to hug and talked to her parents as I knew she was slipping out, to loose it in private. Her mom knew it too. She turn to me and said “Were OK, go to her”.

We cried buckets that afternoon, and we talked, and we talked, and we cried some more. After some long moments of silence, she looked into my eyes, and calmly said, "Well I guess I gonna get an education about cancer” and that what she did. Jenni one of those people that when she sets her mind on path and focuses her effort on something, she goes after it in an almost obsessive way.

Long story made short, her dad had a picture prefect operation, an excellent treatment series, and spotless follow up. 20 years on, and he’s still clean, and still with us. But in those 20 years, since we both became indoctrinated into the family-hood of cancer caregivers, we have both lost several mutual friends to cancer, we’ve both lost cousins, aunts and uncles in our respective families and we also celebrate the victories with many more cancer survivors.

So here is Jennifer, 20 years later, doing Relay For Life of Second Life, a team member in Relay and committee member giving her all, and knowing Jenni’s typist as I do, she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s a force to be reckoned with.

Myself, I’ve always gave to the Cancer Society’s various fund drives they have, but always wondered if I could contribute in some more substantial fashion. With limited options due, to the size of this small community I live and work in, discovering, or should I say, having my dear friend discover the effort going on here in this place called Second Life, I just had to sign up and walk along side my friend of life.

I look forward in kicking this beast called cancer, senseless.

Bain Finch

Why I Relay ~ Pink Basevi-Charlesworth

Why I relay, and why I push you, my friends to help out...

In 2005 I was first diagnosed with cancer. As a retired RN, I knew it wasn't something to put off 'till tomorrow', but as a woman, I was beyond terrified and shook to the core. How could this happen to me? Family history, genetics, environment, stress; the... list of possible causes is endless. Either way, it was now in the driver's seat and I don't like anyone taking the wheel from me mid journey!

After chemo and radiation treatments, the loss of my hair, the loss of some dignity, the loss of people I thought were friends for life, the feelings of loss of control over my life and my body... I started to realize with the help of another survivor (Pat), I have gained so much! I found a deeper sense of being as my hair fell out. I found beauty really isnt just skin deep, its heart-deep. I found that with the feeling of evasiveness as chemo and radiation tore my body apart, I had a dignity that came up and held my head up for me.

Yes I have cancer, but I AM STILL HERE! With the loss of those that feared cancer more than they could love me, I found those left still at my side were the 'true' friends for life I had sought. Where I thought I had lost control over my life and body, I found a deeper sense of peace and calm where assumed control only hindered.

I am a Survivor, I am BEAUTIFUL, I am at PEACE with myself, I am NOT ALONE, and I am Strong! I AM A SURVIVOR.

Please donate to the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. Help those in your lives find their strength, and help find the cure.



To donate to Harmony of Hope in Second Life:  http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11SL/1393676856?pg=team&fr_id=34810&team_id=920555

Follow Team Harmony of Hope at:
www.rflharmonyofhope.blogspot.com,
www.twitter.com/RFHarmonyofHope
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Relay-for-Life-Harmony-of-Hope/107511229329424

To donate in Real Life: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11SA?px=21365046&pg=personal&fr_id=32852

Thank You.

Pink Basevi-Charlesworth

Multi-Team Event

YAY, it's time for another Multi-Team event.

This event will take place the week of June 5th(start)-June 8th(cleanup).

This one is a very special event, for builders and non-builders alike.

For this event, we're going to test your creativity. On the day of the event you will be given a supply package. It's VERY important that you sign up before the event, so that I can get your package to you. The packages will not be handed out until the day the event starts.(June 5th).

These are the *only* supplies you will be permitted to use for this event, hehe. Inside the package will also be the LM to the event, the main area. When you get there you will choose a platform and rez a kiosk out for your team. Individuals are encouraged to join this event as well. However we ask that only one kiosk per team be rezzed. If you are building as an individual and not a team, please collect funds for the general fund and not any specific team. (this keeps things fair for all). The kiosks will be used for "voting".

You will have 3 days to build a masterpiece with your supplies. All rules will be included in your package, so you'll need to read them before you begin.

This will be a very low key event. We know June can be a hectic month. No worries about having to be there for any special music events or anything. Just a great way to come together and have some creative fun. But I do have very special awards for all participants. I can't wait to see the fantastic builds.

If you are interested in this event please fill out a note card and send it back to me Tari Landar. I will need the cards turned in by June 3rd at the latest. This will help ensure we've got prims and space for everyone. Please make sure that only ONE card per team is sent back. You can have as many builders as you'd like, but you'll only have one spot to build on. This will ensure you get your package and if we need to make any last minute changes to setup we can do so quickly.

Required Note Card Detail:

Name : (This is the person who will get the supplies. So if you're building as a team you may want to designate a head builder)

Team or Individual?: (if team put team name here)

Team only-Back up Head Builder: (In the event that the head builder loses the package or cannot be on, we'll need a backup to send a package to)

Additional Builders: (If you are on a team and know the names of those who will be building, please put them here as well)

Thanks so much, looking forward to this event :)

Tari Landar

Home and Garden Expo

The Second Life Home Garden & Patio Expo

The grand display of Second Life's Premier Architects, Builders & Landscapers – to benefit Relay for Life

Silent Auction and Scavenger Hunt

The awesome folks hosting the Home & Garden Expo are presenting and hosting a special Silent Auction. The landing zone for the auction is at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Home%20Expo%206/183/241/22 and they have a full list of the items up for auction, on their web site at http://slhomegardenpatioexpo.wordpress.com/auction-items-list. I know some of these shops, and they really do have a lovely collection of items up for bid, so I hope you give often, and give generously. Bidding closed at 10pm SLT on Sunday the 22nd.



Now I know everyone LUVs a Scavenger Hunt. The Home & Garden Expo is having a Scavenger Hunt for YOU. All you need to do is drop in at the starting point, grab a note card there and follow the bread crumbs.

At each location, find the little hunt item (a greenish house) and purchase it for 25L each. There is a sample at the starting point with a gift inside. Each hunt item will give you a gift and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Relay For Life.  If there is more than one landmark listed at a store, that means there is more than one gift :)

Starting point http://slurl.com/secondlife/Home%20Expo%206/219/237/23
Participating Stores:
=============
1)  ~Beautiful Mess Designs~
2)  *InvitationStation*
4) Glas Houses
5) Creative Fantasy
6) Home by JLZ
7) SnowBound
8) Kabuki Creations
9) Park Place Home Decor
10) Cosmos & R&K Boutique
11) LK Family Homes
12) Kira's low prim goodies
13) Sofia's
14) LISP Bazaar
15) Insight Designs
16) *Art Dummy!
17) {what next}
18) Croire
19) Clutter Home & Garden
20) PRIME Furniture
21) Ballyhoo 512 Homes
22) Natas Designs
23) Nonnapie
24) WonderWorks
25) glas garden centre
26) Brennan Homes
27) ~Houses for You~
28) Pinky's
29) Organica Specialty Trees
30) Zoe's Garden
31) Persnickety
32) Designer Prims
33) Cleo Design

Both of these events have started already, so you better get busy BIDDING and HUNTING, as there's only 3 days left, before the Home Garden & Patio Expo closes for 2011, and goes POOF unto pixel dust until next year.

Do hit their blog site for details of their Exhibitors, Sim map, list of Sponsors, Builders Brewery Class times,  DJ schedule and much, much more. http://slhomegardenpatioexpo.wordpress.com/


Now get out there and ~GO RELAY~ at the Home Garden & Patio Expo, time running out.


Jennifer

Why I Relay ~ Aiyana Orchid

I Relay because I’m 31 years old and have had to fight off this awful disease 2 times. I relay because I don’t want another 27 year old told, who has her whole life in front of her and that of her 5 year son come crumbling down. The moment I heard that I thought for sure it would be the end... It's almost happened...But I am a fighter... and I have a strong will to live. I have great family and friends and an the awesome support of people like you all who help to find a cure for this..

It's about 1:30 my time and I just found out my best friend of 10 years just lost her battle with cancer. How do I feel? I'm beside myself in one count; in the other relieved she isn't suffering anymore and quite fueled to continue helping out with Relay for Life.... We had an agreement her and I...Fight until you can't anymore... For awhile it seems we were both winning... I had mine under control, she had hers... We pretty much held hands and went through all of it together.. It's rare that you find that.... Here I am now in remission and her... she couldn't fight anymore... So in her words...." Thank you all so very much for all that you do... for those of us that fight and loose this battle we know that you will still be there on the battle lines fighting to end this horrible disease. We will be there with you now and always cheering you on and giving you the extra push you need.".... Hence my reason for fighting no matter how hard the road may or may not get for me... Until my last breath I will continue to fight so no one has to hear those words.... and if they do they are followed by "we have a cure for that"... these are my reasons for Relaying... What's yours?

Aiyana Orchid

Date Auction

Hello again =^,^=

Club Paws N Claws and Harmony of Hope of Second Life is hosting a "DATE AUCTION" this Sunday May 22nd from 3-6pm SLT

Humans, Furries and Nekos alike are welcomed to take part. Volunteers will be Auctioned off, and you are invite to bid for a Date.

Contact RED LAURENT in world, if you have any questions.

Hope to see you there,...

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Forgotten%20Isle/216/116/21

Greedy Tournament

Hellos again,

This Sunday May 22nd, 2011 from 2-4 pm SLT, Harmony of Hope of Second Life is hosting a GREEDY TOURNAMENT!

Each $500 Linden Donation gets you a spot in the tournament.

We have an awesome PRIZE for the WINNER, and of course there's the BRAGGING rights that goes with this. But not only that, this being the first annual tournament adds a level of RECOGNITION of you being first.

Contact PORTIA LYTTON to register and register early!!

Questions? Contact JALINE JAE or PORTIA LYTTON in world

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Yes/138/26/2

WoW

Hello friends, more updates on a incredible weekend.

First, my posts on the RFL of SL Updates blog. The Ribbons recipients have been posted and a post on my reporting of the Ribbon Ceremonies and Million Dollar Hour which I hope you enjoy.

Now the other bits of news, I wish to share:

I have been offered the position of Area Co-Chair for the PR/Marketing group, for Relay For Life of Second Life, and I accepted in a heart beat, and I AM besides myself for this privilege. I don't think my feet have touched the ground since Saturday. We will miss Skylar Smythe's contribution, but she has several wonderful projects on the go, which I am sure, you either know about all ready, or will soon hear about. I wish you great successes with your many projects Skylar. But do take times to breath occasional, sweety. :-)


Let see, oh yes, I am working hard to promote and collect Why I Relay Testimonial Recording and I hope you will take the time to make yours. The link provides instructions and You Tube videos for making yours, for PC and MAC users, and I would positively delighted is you did submit one. We will never use your email account details for anything what so ever. I just ask you to provide the full avatar's name you wish to be assigned to your recording.

We are working to make these recording available online, for everyone to access, team event planers, team captains, DJ's and steaming media personalities, for use with their RFLofSL events.

And saving the best for last, Harmony of Hope received the prestigious PLATINUM Level Halfway There Award Ribbon for our efforts, and we are absolutely thrilled. Platinum level is defined was the team whose donations total in the range of $500,000 - $999,999 Linden, which we are currently at an unofficial total of $ 631,550 Linden. WoooooHooooo!!! Way to go TEAM!

We thank EVERYONE for your support, efforts and generosity! You do indeed give HOPE.

Jennifer Curtau,
Online Media Chair for Harmony of Hope
Area Co-Chair PR/Marketing for RFLofSL

~ We are one Team ~

More musing of Jennifer's ride

Hi ya everyone, sorry i have been neglecting you, but I've have a busy few weeks. Let me tell you of some highlights.

We you know that I am the online Social Media Chair for my team of Harmony of Hope, and I can tell you we are doing good things as we approach the halfway point in the Relay For Life in Second Life's Season of Hope. As of this morning we have raised an amazing $625,857 Linden and taking aim on the Sapphire level club award!!! ~YaY Team~

We are working on several events and parties which I can't tell you just yet, so you will have to check back soon.

I also wish to highlight my support you all have given me out there in the greater real world, here on the blog and on our Harmony of Hope Twitter site. Since creating these site on March 1st, 2011 the blog have been accessed, close to 1,800 times, noted in several Metaverse news sites and more. I am so delighted!

The Twitter site has a following approaching 475 Tweeters, and have receive many supporting comments on my efforts, re-tweets and more. I have created a hash tag #why_I_relay and generally having fun learning the ropes.

Last month, I was invited to be a member of the main Relay For Life committee, in the group of PR/Marketing and taking on more roles as time progresses. One project that we are actively pursuing is the collection of "Why I Relay" recording from anyone wanting to make one. Please see the Why I Relay page for details. I would so grateful if you made one for us.

Yesterday I covered the 2nd Co-Chair Challenge Trophy presentation for the Newbie Challenge and I was delighted to cover it.

Today we launch the Home and Garden Expo, which feature some adorable KittyCatS you will just have to get. I know I want one.

Also this weekend is the Halfway There Faire, were Relayers from around the grid will be celebrating several milestones. the 1st one is obvious with the name of the faire, as we are at the half way point in our Season of Hope fund raising schedule. But the 2nd celebration is a big milestone in the history of Relay For Life in Second Life, and that is this movement have reach the 1 Million Dollar mark for total donation raised for Relay, and that something a lot of people have worked many hours, days and years doing.

There is a lot more, I wish I could tell you, but I have to wait until everything is in place and I don't want to get my paw slapped. =^,^=

Hope to see you on the grid in support of Relay for Life. If you see me give me a wave, I'd really love to hear from you.

Jennifer

RFLinSL events

Lots of events going on around the grid for this weekend in support of Relay For Life in Second Life. Let me wet your whistle on some of them.

Team Fringe is hosting a Fashion Auction on May 7th from 5-8pm SLT

The ONYX Bills are hosting a Radicals for Life Nike Show and concert on May 7th from 2:30-4pm SLT and later on ONYX Bills is hosting a Music Revolutions Weekend with 3 days music experience starting from 5-7pm SLT on the 6th, 4-11pm SLT on the 7th, 1-7pm SLT on the 8th

Hero's for Life are hosting a 12hr DJ Marathon from 4am to 4pm SLT on May 7th.

PHC For Life have been hosting a Carnival since April 10th which ends on May 8th

Relay Rockers have been hosting a Bid Me Bald-Nuala Maracas which ends on May the 8th at 4:30pm SLT. And Relay Rockers have been hosting Relay Rockers Bargain Barn Garage Sales since April 18th and running through to July 17th

Team Caledon are hosting a Mad Scientist Convention and Spring Hunt from the 7th starting at 9am SLT and running until the 8th at 5pm SLT.

Radicals for Life are hosting a Bid Me Bald-Tram Battle starting on the 5th at 6am SLT and running through to the 14th at 3pm SLT

Next week it's the Paint SL Purple event of the Relay For Life in Second Life week which marks the mid way point of the RFLinSL 2011 campaign.

AVENUE of Life are hosting Couture of Hope Charity Sales which started on May 1st and running through to May 31th.

And the Devils Rejects For Relay for Life will be hosting a Relay for Life Poker Run on May the 22nd from 1-5pm SLT

Home and Garden Expo is coming in May 13 at 12 noon SLT, and remain open 24 hours each day until it closes on May 22 at 10pm SLT. This will span 10 sims, with over 100 exhibits, more Entertainment and more ways to benefit Relay For Life, too! Builder's Brewery will host this year's Expo Classroom with lots of fun classes and a competition or two. More info at RFL of SL Updates

So there is plenty of RFLinSL going on around the grid and more events are posted every day, so check the Team Event page or find an RFLinSL event board in world, for times, locations and more.

Now get out there, meet some new friends, and have fun all the while helping us ~GO RELAY~

Love Jennifer

SL International Ambassadors needed

Dear Volunteers,

For Relay For Life in Second Life ~ International Relations lack German, Japanese,  Italian and Spanish ambassadors to help us.
Every language is welcome of course!

Could you please look around for us for who might like to help us to carry out the International Relay mission and help us translate Relay information?

Thank you in advance!

Kayleigh McMillan (International Relations - Co-Chair)

_________________________________________________________________

SUBJECT: THE AMBASSADORS OF RFL 2011 LANGUAGES

Hello

I'm preparing a database to help me to organize the work for this season 2011 RFL.

If you know people around you who want to help you with your language and want to become RFL Ambassadors, please copy this note before you fill it and send it to them.
_________________________________________________________________

Please fill in the following form:

- Do you want to help us with International Relay for Life season 2011 (yes/no)?

- What languages can you speak (oral):

- What languages can you write and translate:

- What is your prefered mode to be reached when you're offline?
> IM:
> notecard:
> email (please precise, this info only goes to me):
_________________________________________________________________

Rename the card Int'l RFL -03 [YOUR NAME HERE] with your name and send it back to Morgan Kincess
Thank you/arigato/danke schoen/gracias/merci/obrigado

We will send you a group invitation to join the international team.

 Morgan Kincess
 International RFL Chair

 PS: you can add me as friend after you sent back this note if you want for easier communications.