Sarah Morton

There are no words to express how saddened and devastated I am of my friend's passing who lost her life at the age of 28 to Ovarian cancer on May 13, 2010. We were introduced back in November 2008 by a mutual doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering. We immediately connected; a bond that no one else can have unless you have also experienced cancer (and at such a young age). We would laugh and cry and share stories of what was going on in our life both medically and personally. In July 2009, we attended the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance conference in Washington D.C. She picked me up at the airport and that was the first time we had met after speaking on the phone for 8 months. We spent the next few days together; sharing a room and attending the sessions together. It was like we had known each other our entire lives. I then went to her hometown of Roxboro, NC in September to celebrate her Relay For Life event. I met her boyfriend, her family, her students and co-workers and what seemed like the entire town of Roxboro. What an amazing town and one that is so unbelievably supportive to not only Sarah but to the cause. The next day we participated in an Ovarian walk. I was one of 30+ people who were there to support Sarah (everyone wore a "Sarah's sisters" shirt). I felt so blessed to have been a part of it and I will forever remember those memories. I will cherish our friendship and she certainly left her footprints on my heart and in my soul. She certainly has an incredible view from where she is. I know her halo will always shine brightly and her teal wings will constantly surround us with her love.

Festival of Races

On May 2nd, a beautiful, sunny day on Long Island, I ran a 10K (6.25 miles) alongside my cousin Paul. It was wonderful having a running partner; something that doesn't happen since no one in my family are runners. All around us we saw fellow runners warming up, stretching and setting up their iPods awaiting the words: "Ready, Set, Go." We were lined up, front and center, and crossed the start line at 8:00 am. Paul and I had a rhythm down and ran side by side the entire time. We were encouraged by those bystanders, hearing their cheers and claps all along the route. Running out on the open road, in the town where I grew up, made me realize how lucky I was to have legs that allowed me to run, a heart that was pumping my blood and lungs allowing me to breathe during those tough (why am I doing this?) times. We passed each mile marker, stamped with the time, knowing it was one closer to the finish line. I kept thinking about the moment when I would see my supportive family and boyfriend on the sideline, who would provide me with congratulatory hugs and kisses. I saw them and heard them cheering as we crossed the finish line at 1:05:34. We took pictures and I thoroughly enjoyed that moment in time with my family and the man I loved beside me. Next year, I will once again participate, but instead of the 10K, it will be the half marathon (13 miles). It was a fantastic day and one that I will always remember. It's these moments in life that will be forever cherished.

Relay For Life

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events and 18 hours in length. I have been a part of the annual event for the past 3 years and the last 2 as entertainment chair. We have a team comprised of 20 people and we raise money throughout the year. This year our team raised over $7,500 and I personally raised over $1,600. Our event's goal was $38,000 and we exceeded our goal for the 2nd year, this year raising over $40,000. It is an amazing event which brings the community together with one goal in mind. By supporting Relay For Life, you help make the American Cancer Society’s mission possible, and that helps us all move closer to our ultimate goal: a world with less cancer and more birthdays. If you are interested in donating or participating in your community's event, please visit www.relayforlife.org/oakleaffl. Thank you to everyone who supported me this year and continue to be there for me during my cancer journey. With all the love, support and prayers I have received, I'll be able to celebrate my 34th birthday in June.