2007 Relay for Life

April 13 & 14 - 7 pm to 7 am

I had the opportunity to participate in Relay for Life that took place in the Lied Recreation Center at Iowa State. All students and the community were encourage to take part in this memorable event. There were over 1250 people and as a whole, we raised over $95,000!

My team wasn't set up for a special organization; just a group of friends who wanted to make a difference. There were 12 of us in all and we were all excited because for the majority of us, this was our first Relay. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to make a difference in the community that I live in now. Seeing all the survivors and luminaries around the track gave me a reality check of how cancer is effecting today's citizens from young to old.
(Remember: you can click on the pictures to make them bigger)

Camp set up - before Relay got underway

Michelle and I

Looking like we're full of it. Our team name was "80's Ladies and a Man" and so Michelle and I (as well as Allison and Ann) busted out the 80's earrings as we're sporting in this picture.

Warm-up snack.

Oh boy... Michelle and her twizzler.

Gretchen putting on her serious face.

Of course... I had to sport my aviators.

Allison and Ann

Best friends! Did you notice that we have matching aviators?

"Look away, look away!"

Oh wow... that is quite a face on Allison. I didn't know she was in this picture. Hilarious!

Opening Ceremonies

Getting situated for the Opening Ceremonies

Half of the people at this Relay for Life. (The other half would be on my right. This picture was taken of my left side.)

The ROTC presenting the colors followed by the National Anthem being sung.

One of the general co-chairs of Relay who is also a survivor of cancer.

Jamie Pollard, ISU's Athletic Director, (far right) and his family during the Opening Ceremonies. His youngest son, James Pollard (purple shirt) is a survivor of cancer. His wife and other three children were with him.

Jamie and James

A little boy playing the video games during Opening Ceremonies.

Relay for Life is officially underway!

All the cancer survivors took the first lap of the night. They were led by James Pollard, little boy in the front.

Hypnotist at 8 pm

A hypnotist came to entertain us and I gladly volunteered since I had never been hypnotized before. I am on the hypnotist's immediate right in pink. This was his "pre-show" as he wanted to find the best entertainers.

Getting prepared and turning off my cell phone

Listening and watching his swirly thing on his jacket.

And I'm gone! He eventually put us all in a deep sleep.

Allison joined me up there. She is behind the front row guy with his hat backwards. Look at that one girl completely out!

Following his orders. We were being a big strong oak with our arms reaching for the sky.

Midnight Hour

Jessica gladly sported her aviators too and so pictures had to be taken.

Walking to find a cure...

Our campsite... taking a quick breather.

Mechanical Bull at 3:00 am

This was my first round on the bull. My free hand is not touching the bull! I made an easy 11 seconds!

Yee haw! A Montana girl knowing what she's doing! Round One Score: 82 points

Round two: Look how well I ride that thing! Holding the rope right by my crouch, shoulders back, leg's spurring. I was imaging this was Little Yellow Jacket.

And I'm off. I made it safe to the blown up fence. Score: 95 points

Michelle trying her skills at Little Yellow Jacket. She was hilarious! She had no idea what she was doing! I laughed so hard!

She made it off safe and sound. Cracking up while trying to balance herself.

Ann and D'Juan during Michelle and my bull riding.

Camp at 4 am

We were pushing it as the early morning came.

Okay... so I know this picture looks bad, but I was showing Kristen how I was riding the mechanical bull... without the bull. The can is the rope with my free arm up and legs in. I was a pro!

And this is what happens when you're sleeping. Little Kevin doing what he does best.

Allison in a deep sleep. You can tell because her mouth is open. Ha ha!

Final Laps at 6 am

During the final stretch of the event, our song "Walk it Out" came on and we just had to bust out our dance even though all of our muscles were mush.

There I go! Walking it out! Woot, woot!

Future roommates of next year!

End of Relay: 7 am

I kept track of all the laps I did during the 12 hours. As a final result, I did 79 laps, which is almost 15 miles. I will walk a million more if it contributes to finding a cure for cancer!