When our mother passed away at the age of 54 from cancer in 2002, we were all shocked.  She had been fighting cancer since 2000 – bravely fighting – but somehow we never thought that cancer would win the battle.  She had survived our brother Sean’s wedding in July, and we thought now she could make it to Christmas, then Easter, until finally she would be cancer-free.  Losing her was so painful it is impossible to describe.

The next spring we went to the Relay For Life in Westerly.  Our mother had brought us the year before – she had walked the survivor lap and we had walked with her during the caretaker lap.  Going back that year without her was heartbreaking, but it also gave us a feeling of hope.  Watching those who were still fighting, or who had beaten cancer, showed us how important finding a cure for cancer was.  Instead of just being sad for what we had lost, we could work to help others and create a legacy for our mother.

We all talked about how we wanted to help raise money.  We were joined by our friends, who took up our cause like it was their own and who we couldn’t raise a dime without.  It was decided that we didn’t want to simply ask people for money.  We wanted people to remember our mother for the fun, beautiful woman she had been, not just as the woman who died of cancer.  That’s when we started planning events in her honor.

What started as one semi-formal dinner dance has turned into year round events.  The dance is in its sixth year and we have added a golf tournament, a volleyball tournament, and friends and family are constantly coming up with new fund-raising ideas.  We are so proud of the money we have raised, and grateful to each and every one of you that has supported us.  Hopefully this will be our biggest year ever.

Thank you for your support!

Kristy, Sean, Kim, Jeremy