Before I even met David I had done the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, but after losing my Grandma, going through David’s battle, and watching my best friend lose her sweet mom it has held a lot more meaning for us. We made a commitment to try to support the Relay in some way every year possible after David was well enough to participate. A few years ago it fell in a moment of health for David and we were able to participate with my school’s team. Then, David was sick again, I was 9 mos pregnant and too big to walk, and last year David had to work so Eden and I just went for a little bit.
Relay for Life 2010
This year, we went bright and early so that David could participate in the Survivor’s Lap and while he was getting the Survivor’s breakfast I bumped into one of the girls that was working a booth that had a Rock Wall. Since I met David this is something he has told me he wanted to do! After his first round of surgeries and our wedding we went on a 3 day cruise. His whole purpose when we booked the trip was to climb the rock wall on that ship. Being that his leg didn’t work properly and looked somewhat mangled, they wouldn’t let him! So, I gave the girl the 3rd degree and she ASSURED me that David could come over and climb the wall. Within 15 minutes he had signed a waiver, strapped on the harnesses and was ready to climb!
I wish I had taken a picture of the crowd of people that culminated around the rock wall and were cheering him on the entire time he climbed (which took a little bit). When he made it to the top- lots of people were in tears (me included). People said- “he is such an inspiration” and while I agree with that- I think what got to me was that this was one dream that came true for him. His smile was priceless and it was really neat to have that be a part of our Relay for Life.
