To the Editor,

I would like to commend the hardworking people who organized and successfully held the Relay for Life event in Wareham on Friday, June 20th. Though I have been a cancer survivor for 18 years, I had never done the “Survivors Lap” around a track before. It was a very emotional moment for me as old memories and feelings surfaced when I walked with other survivors of all ages, because I know the fear, pain and challenges they had overcome. The floodgates opened and tears flowed as I walked with them; some sad tears as I looked at all the luminaria with names of those who didn’t make it; some joyful and so grateful for the years we have been given beyond that dreaded cancer diagnosis.

Since June 20th also happened to be my birthday, I chose to attend the event as my own little Celebration of Life (love the ACS tagline “Creating more birthdays!”) Though a little disappointed that the raffle was closed when I arrived, an interesting thing happened: a wonderful volunteer took it upon herself to literally seek me out in the crowd because she learned it was my birthday and presented me with a lovely mug! I will think of her every time I use it and her thoughtfulness and kindness will be remembered!

Thank you to all who worked to make this event such a success and to those who walked with dear family members and friends as we celebrated life and remembered those who are no longer here. Congratulations, Wareham. You should be proud!

Pauline Hamel

Mattapoisett, MA