We have touched each other
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
By: Monique Porlier

National Office Relay For Life

Yes we raised more than $45,000. That's 1/2 a research grant which could make a difference in the lives of cancer patients or better yet prevent so many more incidences.

But our experience with the National Office Virtual Relay goes way beyond that.

We have touched each other.

Yes we touch a lot of people through our roles in CCS and NCIC. People who are cancer patients, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and so many more. But this time we had a chance to relate to each other about our own connection with cancer. This is very powerful. We all have a better appreciation for how cancer impacts our colleague's lives and I believe that from this point on we will be more open to each other about such issues.

I know that because I shared my experience, some of my colleagues have approached me to share their experience and we have gained insight into each other's situations. Hopefully this was helpful to them. For me, it will add to those stories I have to share when people ask me to talk to a friend or family member of someone who has recently been diagnosed. These stories help all of us in knowing how to "be there" for those affected by a cancer journey. That's how I want to continue to fight back.

Thank you to all the participants in the Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back ceremonies!

And a big thank you to the organizers of a very action-packed lead-in to the actual National Office Virtual Relay week -- We had fun, we ate well, we treated ourselves to dancing lessons, made some purchases and best of all spent some quality time together.

What a success!

We have really touched each other in more ways than we can imagine!