Like most of us, I know too many people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Quite frankly I believe that cancer is big business which is why in all this time scientists and doctors have not come up with a cure. In the meantime I've started participating in the annual Relay for Life event.

     They are held in communties across the United States. I will be participating in the Baldwin Hills Relay For Life on Saturday June 22-23. The relay is a twenty-four hour event because cancer never rests. I have yet to spend the night but many people do and it is not unusual for someone to be walking the track at 1am. [I don't stay overnight but every now and then I hang out with a few friends]

     The part I like best is the luminaria survivor's walk at 9pm. A luminaria is a decorated bag that has the name of a friend or family member who has survived or lost their battle with cancer. A light is placed inside the bag. At 9pm all the lights are turned off leaving nothing but the glow from the bags. When you think about it,it is rather sad that the bags generate enough glow that you can see and walk around the track. It is sad, peaceful, bittersweet and joyous all at the same time.

     This year I'm walking with The Allensworth Community Volunteer Association.I am walking specifically in memory of my Mommy Bette Garrett, a cancer survivor, my friends Kathy Williamson and Grace Bohannon, also cancer survivors and three friends Limbeko Tembo, Tommy "Halifu " Jacquette, and Albert Estelle who lost their battle with cancer.

     You are welcome to join our team or make a donation or luminaria. Donations assist in many ways.including providing information on ways to live a more healthy life.By donating you'll be part of this life changing event that gives everyone in the community a chance to celebrate the lives of friends and family who have battled cancer and fight back against a disease that takes oo much.

     Visit our team page at

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=1417682&pg=team&f...

     Here's to a world with less cancer for he next generation.