Osteosarcoma - Page 8

Renofan2:  Can you please tell us more about this "Luminares Relay"? 

Thanks guys, its a rough go! It would be nice to hear how you started Canines for a cure Luminares Relay. Sounds like a great thing to do.

Sueincc:  Relay for Life is a World wide event that is kind of like a block party - walk athon - mixed together.  It raises money for the American Cancer Society and based on the location on where each event takes place and how much you raise - funds raised are given back to be used in local programs.  Teams consisting of at least 10 relayers are formed and work throughout the year raising money, awareness, etc.  Once x per year (our is first weekend in June) we meet at a local highschool and we "relay" for 24 hours.  We set up tents on the football field and sleep over night.  The luminaires are sold for $5.00 a piece and the person or animals name is written on it.  A picture can be added or a message.  The local high school key club set the lumiaires up alphabetically around the track, field etc and lites them at dusk.  I cannot tell you the feeling you get walking around the track surrounded by the lights and reading your loved ones name on it.  The first year I formed a team - we had filled out ones for my friend Janice who had just past away at age 33 - leaving a 1 year old and 2.5 year old behind.  This year they build a "garden of reflection" with landscaping, benches, etc and put the luminaires throughout the pathway.  I will have to find my pictures of it.  Quite breath taking.  This year - they inlcuded pets and a few weeks before the relay - we had a "Bark in the park" we we came with our dogs and took a 2 mile walk along the river.  Teams set up booths and sold home made dog biscuits, bandanas, etc.  All proceeds went to our Relay.  Pottstown is rated #15 in the world and we end up ranked between 5 and 7 in the country each year.  This year we raised over $1,000,000.  My first year out - 7 years ago - we raised around $150,000.  It is a great event.

The dog team was my favorite thing this year and I was told was the first time a dog team was put together in this event.  We hope that other relays start this as well.

C

Renofan, I have tears in my eyes as I read this. I lost my husband to cancer 2 1/2 years ago. It was the most devestating in a series of losses that spanned a 2 year period in which I said good-bye to both my parents, several dear friends (two lost to cancer, one hit by a car while crossing the street) my 14 year old GSD and numerous aunts and uncles who were in their senior years. I am still trying to recover from it. I have no children of my own, and my two step-sons are very poor at keeping in touch. Without my two dogs, i would be very lonely indeed.

Anyway, when 4pack mentioned neutering above, it jogged my memory. Please be aware that bone cancer is indeed linked to early spay/neutering!!!

http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

Sunsilver:  I'm sorry you have had to endure so many difficult losses and can't imagine what it felt like especially in that time frame.

Sunsilver:  I am truly sorry for your losses.  To go through so much in such a short time is heartbreaking.  Like you, I don't know what I would have done without my dogs.  They made me get up each morning.  For those of you who have asked about the luminaires, I have attached some links to pictures.  You will have to copy and paste to the browser, as I cannot figure out how to get them to work by clicking.  To anyone who has the opportunity to participate or just visit a relay for life in your area - I highly recommend it.  It is such a humbling experience to walk the track with some many memorials lighting your way.  Cheryl

http://www.flickr.com/photos/basilem/528934880/in/set-72157600306637734/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/basilem/528957231/in/set-72157600306637734/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/basilem/528958207/in/set-72157600306637734/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/basilem/528964571/in/set-72157600306637734/

renofan, I can't view your photos because they are private. You need to make them public so we can see them. I don't have a Flickr accout, so I can't help you with how to do this.

Sunsilver:  Thanks for letting me know.

Try this - www.pottsotwnrelayforlife.com

Photos are on link at bottom of page.  Luminare pictures are under photographer - Michael Basile - page 3 of his pics.

C

Ooops again.  www.pottstownrelayforlife.com  Getting too late for me to type.

C

Thanks, Reno! Wow, that's quite a display of lights!

And as for the Bark and Walk, it looks like quite a few of those doggies need the exercise!!