Relay for Life 2020 (Virtual)

Relay for Life 2020.

None of us ever thought we would have to make the decision to turn our family friendly, festival type event into an at-home, virtual one, but we did! When the idea was first pitched to our committee, a few of us were skeptical, but we jumped on the bandwagon and the outcome could not have been any better!

Not long after the idea to turn our event into a virtual one was pitched, I began to formulate a plan on how to fundraise on my own, and that's when the idea to run the Relay for Life "Virtual" Half Marathon was born!

For starters, I'd never run a half marathon in the middle of the day before (apart from the night time Wine & Dine half marathons at Disney), so I had no idea what to expect. Since I had to work on Friday morning, I set off on this half marathon endeavor after I clocked out a little after 1 p.m. 

It was hot, humid, and on the verge of raining the entire time, but I prayed long and hard that I would at least get a good half of the run behind me without any rain. My prayers were answered!

At first, I was going to drive home after work and begin my run from there (like the Star Wars route), but I decided to stick with the area around my work and have a little change of scenery!

I also thought it would be fun to share a few ACS/cancer facts along the way!

I'm not going to lie, this one was tough. My hamstring was bothering me from about mile 6 until the end and it was difficult to breathe through the humidity. It was the thought of cancer patients and all they endure while going through their journey that kept me pressing on.

There really are some beautiful views around my work. This was one of my favorite places to run when our running group was together!

Like the Star Wars half I ran at home, I also adopted a 4:1 run/walk ratio for this half. Although this run wasn't entire pain free, I made it!

Another 13.1 in the books! 

 
I also wanted to share my reason for relaying...

Our virtual event was held live on facebook that evening, and although it wasn't "true" relay food, we make sure to do it justice!

The links you see to the left are boudin. This is a traditional cajun treat and it's seriously delicious! (Casing stuffed with rice and meat)

In fact, the whole family participated in the virtual relay event! What fun!!

By the end of the weekend, I'd not only reached my fundraising goal but I'd exceeded it thanks to so many generous friends and family!

Despite the fact that Relay for Life 2020 looked COMPLETELY different from anything I'd experienced, it was definitely one to remember!

2013 Bark for Life of SWLA

After months of meeting, discussing, documenting, and planning, Southwest Louisiana’s first annual American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life has come and gone!

If you haven’t heard or seen me mention Bark for Life in the past few months than consider yourself lucky – it’s all I’ve been able to talk or think about lately! I was the chair for the event and was incredibly nervous about sending off a good first impression, especially since we’ve never had an event like this in our area.

Think of it as a mini Relay for Life that’s not overnight and includes dogs.

Saturday morning greeted us with humid wet weather but we didn’t let it stop us!

Our Mayor opened up our ceremonies and declared March 23 as Bark for Life day!

He presented the Proclamation to our Bark for Life survivor/dog caregiver, Erin!

As part of our event, we also had an official Survivor dog. Meet Miss Millie….she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the jaw (very rare in her small breed and young age). She had surgery to remove the tumor and went through a full course of chemotherapy at a local veterinary office! She’s a fighter and a survivor! Since completing her treatments, she’s been 5 years cancer free! Yay!

As a part of opening ceremonies, I spoke a few words about the American Cancer Society and the services they’ve offered to patients in our area over the past year.

After opening ceremonies was complete, our survivor dogs/human survivors/caregivers walked a survivor lap around the track!

I thought this puppy was too cute for words!

The first guest speaker at our event was a local vet who works at the clinic that provided chemotherapy to Miss Millie. She spoke about cancer in dogs and caring for dogs diagnosed with cancer.

Our second speaker was a local K-9 unit who demonstrated how the “bite suit” works and allowed us to meet one of the dogs of their unit.

Throughout the morning, we also had a pet/owner look alike contest, a pet talent show, and a costume contest.

These guys won 2nd place at the costume contest! Samson is 196 pounds, but is one of the most gentle dogs you will ever meet! Such a sweetie!

The first place winners of our costume contest were these two sweet Dachshunds! So adorable!!

A few members of our rock-star committee! :0)

Despite the dreary weather, we had a great morning and really enjoyed spending time with our furry friends! We are looking forward to an even better 2014 (and hope the weather cooperates next time)!!

Have you ever attended a Bark for Life event? What were your thoughts?

No Rest For The Weary

After a whirlwind of a week/weekend, I jumped right back into another another crazy week!

Monday night was my only “night off” this week and I watched the Biggest Loser Finale, of course! By Wednesday, I felt as if I was coming down with something (from constantly being on the go, I’m sure), so I took a three hour nap after work. I was still exhausted by bed time and on Thursday morning, I woke up two hours after my alarm clock for work! Eeek! I wasn’t late, but still….yikes. Guess I needed the sleep!

This weekend is yet another busy one - our area is hosting its very first Bark for Life event!



Have you heard of Bark For Life? It’s an American Cancer Society Canine event that helps fight back against cancer. It’s basically like a Relay For Life plus dogs that doesn’t last all night long. :0)

I attended an area wide American Cancer Society convention in Nashville last fall and that’s where I originally got the idea for Bark. I text our director and asked why we didn’t have a Bark in our area and she responded, “Cause no one has stepped up to say let’s do it!” That’s all it took and now our area is hosting it’s first annual Bark For Life! SO excited!!

Monday, I met up with a survivor friend and her puppy dog (Buddy) to tape a Health Source for our local news!



The morning started off great – my hair was straight, I was excited, etc….then I stepped out of the car. Forgot to check the humidity levels and yep, it was bad.



Before, straight. After…not so much.

I could feel my hair growing each time the wind blew. Not fun. Ah well, the clip turned out cute anyway! Being with Erin also put a lot of things in perspective for me. I had absolutely no reason to complain or worry about my hair and actually felt quite silly for thinking it. There’s more things to worry about in life than weather or not your hair stays straight. Know what I mean?

Check out our Health Source here:




I also taped a radio clip a few weeks back that’s been playing on local radio stations in the area.

This whole experience has been so surreal! I really hope everything comes together for our event this weekend. The main thing I’m praying for is NO RAIN! (At the moment, there’s a 30% chance!) It can rain after 1:30 p.m., that’s all I’m sayin! :0) If you could squeeze in a few prayers for no rain this Saturday, they would be much appreciated! (Thank you in advance!)



I also spent Monday night putting together prize packages for the Bark Talent Show, Pet/Owner Look Alike Contest, and Fashion Show! My puppies felt as though some of the items should have belonged to them and they let me know it! (I did share a bone or two with them so they didn’t feel left out.) :0)



All done! :0)



On Wednesday during our lunch break, my co-workers and I made bows and bandanas for our team tent. Aren’t they cute?



We will be selling these on Saturday at Bark. I love the froggie bandanas! :0)

Here’s my weekend schedule:
Saturday – Bark For Life (all morning/mid day)
Sister in Law’s Baby Shower (afternoon)
Leaving for Houston, TX (2 hour drive) after the shower
Sunday -
The Color Run 5K in Houston, TX

I have a problem and it’s called “I don’t like to sit still” - I’d much rather keep busy all the time! (If you couldn’t tell that already!) I’m definitely NOT complaining at all, but whew I think I need a break soon! Thank goodness Good Friday is coming up!

What are your weekend plans? Have you ever heard of Bark For Life?