Brad

Each Spring, I participate in The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in memory of my dad, Brad Wilson.

There are many reasons why I decided to start participating in Relay for Life, but they all come back to my dad. He was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was only two years old and although he made a miraculous recovery, I spent my childhood watching his health decline due to the after effects of his cancer. The twenty long years he lived after his diagnosis were filled with pain, illness, and his overwhelming fight to live for his family. Even near the end of his life, when he was in the hospital going through procedure after procedure, he still put his family first and cared only about our happiness.

My dad was always there for me, no matter how sick he was. He never missed a soccer game, or an awards ceremony. He was there when I started high school, when he sent me off to college, and again when I graduated. He was there when I was sick, or scared, or so happy that I had to share it with someone. And for all of those memories I am so, so thankful. But he was not there when I started my first teaching job; he was not there for my wedding; he has not been here to see the woman I have grown up to be, and that is why I participate in Relay for Life.

I Relay because so often when our loved ones are fighting this illness, we feel helpless and out of control. We watch them fight, and feel as if we can do nothing to help them. Relay gives me a chance to give back to my dad, who fought so hard and gave me so much in my life. It gives me an outlet for all my grief and sadness, and a place to put all of my hope for the future. I learned from my dad that anything is possible. That even when the doctors say you have no chance, you can live to watch your children grow up, you can teach them about the kind of strength that makes someone a hero. My dad was the most amazing person I have ever known, and every part of me has been shaped by his courageous fight against this heartbreaking disease.

Help me make a difference.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/karriewhitsel

Submitted by RunnerGirl