The 2011 Relay for Life

Last week I walked, but didn't run, in the special 2011 Relay for Life in Arlington, Texas on Friday April 29 and early Saturday morning on the 30th. The event took place at the Texas Rangers' Ballpark Coca-Cola Pavilion. It was a 12 hour event from 7 PM to 7 AM. I was very honored to join the USMD Prostate Cancer Center team as the team survivor. USMD was also one of the many sponsors of the event. The team was lead by Paul Rothschild, the Marketing Executive of USMD.   Our fundraising goal was to raise $500.00, which we did ultimately reach. More than half of the amount was donated by Doctor Peter LaNasa. Troy Cole of Miller Public Relations also made a nice donation, and Jessica Sixkiller led our team in individual funds raised or donated. Other team members were Dr. Richard Bevan-Thomas, Bea Moore, Monica Urbunels, and Gianni Secchio of Miller Public Relations.   I arrived about 5:30 PM to meet Paul while he set up the USMD table at our location by the trail that we were going to walk around. I went over to collect my registration package which included a special survivor Relay For Life t-shirt and pin. Then I waited for the survivor dinner to begin. There were many survivors and caregivers that needed to be served dinner before the walk would start. It was after 8:00 PM before we started the survivor walk, and I walked nonstop until 11:00 PM. I took about a 1 and 1/2 hour break.   The course was only three tenths of a mile around the trail, and so it took about 10 laps to walk 3 miles (basically a 5K). It took me about 4 and 1/2 to 5 minutes for each lap. I took some pictures of myself and the other team members, as well as some of the other people at the event. I enjoyed walking with each member as they took there turn around the trail. After my break, I walked until 2:30 PM and then Paul walked again.   I was very tired and a little sleepy so I sat at our table until about 3:30 AM. When the final team member arrived, I told Paul that it was it for me; I'm going home. Paul had each member of the team come in at different times so that we could have someone on the USMD team, with our team t-shirts, walking around the trail at all times. Paul, if you're reading this, I just want to say that you did a great job of organizing our team and leading us. I hope that the community will realize what a great hospital USMD is. My hope and prayer is that others will join me in starting their own exercise program for their better health. Maybe you can avoid cancer, diabetes, a pacemaker, hypothyroidism and the other ailments I have if you start living a more healthy life today. I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com