Wednesday, June 30, 2010

CreateCrochet Team Makes A BIG Impact @ Relay For Life Kingman 2010


Thanks to the ample amounts of time and energy, we have a beautiful blog from Marianne from CreationsByM2. This whole process could not have been done without here and thus, on behalf of the entire team, I thank her!
-Benji





A few months ago, what started as a typical weekly team chat became an amazing outpouring of love. Pattie (PatricianSpecialties) and I (creationsbym2) were both feeling down because someone we loved was suffering from an evil disease known as CANCER.  I had mentioned that even though I was still using crutches to walk after my four knee surgeries, I was determined to walk in the Relay for Life Kingman 2010 and that I joined a team called Relay Wranglers!

Before you could say “crochet hook”  just about the whole team agreed to donate crochet items (chemo caps and so much more) to be sold at our Relay Wranglers booth during the event that was held June 5th and 6th. Well the Relay Wranglers were so excited the expanded their area and gave me a booth of my own adjacent to them for our CreateCrochet Team as bonus to theirs.

Everything was just amazing after that; you were all right there with me due to your generous outpouring of love.  You sent so many crochet items; it was like Christmas every time the postman arrived.  He even started to get as excited as I was and stayed around to see me open the packages.  He was so taken by everything that he bought a few items and paid more that the asking price!!! Can you believe that :0)

The day of the Relay was hectic, we had to be at the High School Field to set up our pop-ups, tables and anything and everything to be sold so that the proceeds could be donated to the RELAY FOR LIFE KINGMAN 2010.  It was one of the most unbelievably moving experiences I have known.  It was constant (which was good because I never had the chance to be tired enough to want to sleep).

The Opening Ceremonies were moving and there was not a dry eye when the Survivors and their care-takers took the first lap around the track. I was so proud to see my aunt walking. From then on I could not leave our booth.  My husband, John had to do my walking for me.  What a great guy, he even got into the swing of selling our crochet items!

So many people were drawn to the “CROCHET STUFF” as they called it.  They loved our Banner and ALL the crochet items hanging and displayed on the tables.  Once again, I felt each and every one of my team members with me and OH so proud of all you have done. 

When all was done, we made $1,010.00 as CreateCrochet Team which was added to the Relay Wranglers totals for the RELAY FOR LIFE KINGMAN 2010.

The few items that were left were taken to the Kingman Cancer Center and I have been told that the patients were so excited and amazed by the beauty and quality of the chemo hats and the few lovely extras that could make them feel special!

I hope you all know that you have made a huge difference in the lives of people you will never know; but I can assure you that they will know of you and the CreateCrochet Team and your generous and selfless gifts of love.

I have no words that can express the gratitude and joy I feel belonging to such a wonderful group of people from all over the world.  Please know that each and every one of you will remain in my prayers.

YOU MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE AND I LOVE YOU ALL :0)

KEEP THOSE HOOKS WORKING………IT’S MANDATORY!






Below is a Poem Written by a Cancer Survivor



The light and the darkness of the day and night parallel the physical effects, emotions, and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment.

The Relay begins as the sun is starting to set.  This symbolizes the time that the person has been diagnosed with cancer.  The day is getting darker, and this represents the cancer patient’s state of mind as they feel that life is coming to an end.

As the evening goes on it gets colder and darker, just as the emotions of the cancer patient do.  Around 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. represents the time when the cancer patient starts treatments.  They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up.  Participants in Relay feel much the same way while walking during these hours.  They cannot stop or give up, just as the cancer patient cannot stop or give up.

Around 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. symbolizes the end of treatment for the cancer patient.  Once again they are tired, but they know they will make it.

The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient.  They see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that life will go on.  The morning light brings on a new day full of life and excitement for new beginnings for the cancer patient.  Participants feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the Relay is close at hand.

When participants leave the Relay, they can think of cancer patients leaving their last treatment.  Just as participants are exhausted and weak, so is that person after treatment.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's such an honor to be able to help others in such a meaningful way. Thanks again Marianne for putting this all together and helping us to be a credit to the human race.

sharon said...

Oh, Maaaa'aaaan!

jbcrochetdelights said...

We made the items with love in our hearts for those that suffer from cancer and pass forward so others may not suffer. Thank you for manning the booth.

MyHobbyShop said...

had tears in my eyes as I read this wonderful posting. what an awesome cause. I am so happy to be a part of this team :) you guys rock.

Jess said...

Wow, So amazing! i am so proud to be part of this great team! and to have had teh chance to donate some my items for this fantastic cause! thank you Marianne for putting it all together for us! ♥

Motylalka said...

That's great! Marianne thanks for writing it for everyone to read. Way to make me cry.

Menwy said...

Thank you so much. I too have someone close to me that is suffering from this disease, and I am glad to see such support for it.Keep up the good work, and may whatever God you pray to help you.

Mamta Motiyani said...

We definitely made an impact with this one. Thanks Marianne.

Pamela Baker said...

I couldn't think of a more worthy cause to donate the hats to. I thank you personally for my friends who are and have suffered from this horrible disease. What you are doing is so appreciated. Little "crochet angels"!