Relay for Life: Rebecca Beard Award

Each year I go up with the ladies who started the Turlock Relay for Life with my mother and give out an award in my mothers name. The 2009 Turlock Realy was my first year actually speaking. I was also the team captain for the Delta Phi Gamma team and i hope that this is just a small step on the road to becoming more and more in volved with the American Cancer Society.

my speech

The meaning behind the relay has changed for me throughout the years. I remember when I was a young child my mother brought my brother & I out to a Relay in Sonora if I remember correctly & I, being the typical child, didnt understand the meaning behind it. I though of it much like a carnival where people got together to have fun and play games. The first few years after my mother brought the relay to Turlock I thought of it in the same light, I had the chance to spend the day with my friends and have fun.

To me, my mothers death was sudden. I dont think I realized how bad it was until I had lost her. The first few years after it hurt to be at relay. I saw so much of her everywhere and I wasnt ready for that.

However, the closer the ten year anniversary of my mothers death gets, the closer and closer I get to truly understanding relay and being at peace.

This year I can look out at all of you and I see her looking back at me. I see her charisma, I see her strength, and I see her devotion, and I thank all of you for bringing me hope for the battles that I may have to face in the future, and for supporting those beautiful women in your lives.




I am so happy to be able to say a few words about the winner of this years Rebecca Beard award because she means the world to me. She is the perfect choice. Some of the emails received regarding this devoted member said there was no other person that they knew who deserved this award more.
She gives of her time and efforts freely and does so with an open heart, knowing its the right thing to do. She has been out here every year supporting relay and when I look back throughout the years I dont ever remember her taking a break. Not only has she remained devoted to relay and has never backed down no matter what roadblocks may face her, but she also was Rebeccas best friend. Please welcome the 2009 Rebecca Beard Award Recipient. Barbara Sierra

I know you werent expecting this, but we wanted you to know how much you mean to this Relay. Youre dedicated to the Turlock Relay and to keeping Rebeccas dream aliveand for that, we thank you. Barbara, your tireless efforts to continue to work toward a cure are a testament to the friendship you shared with Rebecca. Im sure shes smiling down on you right nowcongratulations. You are truly deserving of this award.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• relay for life
• american cancer society

[fwackata]

fa sho