Relay For Life

Awhile ago I was approached by some of my friends in the neighborhood with a fundraising idea to raise money to help pay our hospital bills. I was so overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity. Yes, our hospital bills have been quite high. Fortunately we were blessed to have been given some money by some loved ones to help pay the bills. In addition, we are lucky to have wonderful healthcare insurance through Jason's company. So instead of raising money to help us, my friends decided that the money they raise should be given to the American Cancer Society. Thus the Clover Ridge Crusader's team for the Relay for Life was formed. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone on campuses across the country a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out a local high school, college campus, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. The Clover Ridge Crusaders will be taking turns walking/running for 24 hours straight to raise money for cancer awareness. I hope to be well enough to be a part of this event and walk with my friends. It will be an amazing experience. There is a survivor lap that I am especially looking forward to walk. I don't know if I would be considered an official survivor yet or if I qualify to walk this lap. But I would like to walk along the side of hundreds of others that have struggled through cancer and survived. What a powerful moment that will be. I am proud of myself...proud of what I have accomplished and what I have survived. I want to celebrate! And I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to participate in the Relay For Life. I am going to do my part and try to raise money for the event, for cancer awareness and for a cure. If you are interested in helping me and my team to raise money, please go to my Relay for Life website at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/skarrmann. It is my personal goal to raise $1,000. Any amount you could give would be greatly appreciated. And if you are interested in joining our team, please let us know.

Recovery is still going very slow. The swelling in my face is still there..the cast on my leg is still there...and the infection in my face is still there. The doctor placed me back on antibiotics again. I am getting a little concerned and hope that this infection will not complicate things. It is so frustrating when things to do not progress and it feels like I am taking steps backwards. I have another appointment on Monday and I am hoping that I will get the OK to start walking without the assistance of a walker. My biggest battle this past week has been trying not to go down the road of "what-ifs". What if the surgery didn't work? What if the cancer is still there? What if my face will always look funny? What if I will never run again? It is definitely a mind game the enemy is trying to play on me. If I had something to occupy my time and my mind, it would be easy to not go down this road. But because I have a lot of time on my hands I spend a lot of time thinking. Thus, the what ifs start to happen. It will be nice to have a goal to raise money for the Relay for Life. Something to strive for. Something that will give me a sense of accomplishment. Something to occupy my time. This is something I really need in my life right now.

Please pray for this infection in my face to go away and that recovery will begin to move forward again. I want to thank all of you that have been sending me surprises in the mail for Valentines Day or to bring cheer into my life. The surprises have been wonderful!

I love you all!

Sue