Relay for Life

This past November I lost a very close, personal friend, Judy O’Hara, to breast cancer. I met Judy through one of my best friends from college about 10 years ago and grew to know her very well through many a church activity. We sat together at church nearly every Sunday and attended several Habitat for Humanity trips. She was one of those super-warm and caring people that made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Even when the cancer diagnosis was not good, every question of “How are you doing?” was immediately followed by “I’m fine. How are you?”. She served the dual role of siding expert and trip mom on our Habitat trips, always having an ointment, band-aid or hug for anyone in need.

During the weekend of May 31st, I will be participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in an effort to honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to lives lost and raise money to help fight the disease. From 2pm on Saturday until 8am Sunday morning, at least one member of our six-person team, dubbed “Judy’s Angels”, will be walking the track at South Lakes High School in Reston, VA. In the process we hope to have some fun, share some laughs, and most importantly, honor & remember Judy.

Our team’s goal is to raise $1000 which puts my personal goal at about $170. Knowing that I have already hit up many a friend and co-worker this year for donations for the 30 Hour Famine, I hesitate to ask again for additional money. As I say ever year for the Famine, I am sure you all have other very important causes worthy of your financial support.

However, if you feel moved to donate, we would love the support. (Donations are tax-deductible.) Unlike World Vision, the American Cancer Society accepts online donations!

To make a donation online, visit my personal donation page.

To make a donation via check, make the check payable to “American Cancer Society” and mail to the following address: 124 Park St SE, Vienna, VA 22180

Thanks so much for your support.

Here’s a pic of Judy at her daughter’s wedding in July 2006 as well as a little more about her courtesy of the Washington Post.