Why we Relay

Note: Relay for Life is an event benefiting the American Cancer Society. Swim for Hope is not affiliated with Relay, but this story was written by people with whom Ariana participates in Relay. This story explains why they participate in Relay.

The reasons we walk at Relay for Life are many and varied. We walk in honor of survivors and those still fighting, and we walk in memory of those lost, but most of all, we walk with hope for a cure.

In September of 2006 I lost a colleague to cancer. Gordon Galbasini taught elementary students with special needs, those whose learning disabilities caused hurdles both academically and socially. He genuinely loved those kids, empowering them to face their disabilities, and overcome the stereotypes that are often assigned to students who struggle academically. Gordon taught them to persevere and face their challenges bravely as he continued to teach throughout his fight, knowing that his cancer was not curable. 

My own son became Gordon’s friend, and chose to participate in his first Relay for Life to honor the fight Gordon was waging against cancer.  He wrote the following on his fundraising website:

Gordon and Alec

I am an 11 year old, walking in honor of my brave friend Mr. Gordon Galbasini, so that one day, others like him may be cured of cancer. Mr. G is a special teacher who is funny and understanding. He has great wisdom. Cancer will take away the gift he gives to children like me. Please join me in helping people like Gordon be cured. Your gift to the American Cancer Society will allow researchers to continue to search and find a cure. Thank you, Alec 

We continue to walk each year, keeping in our hearts the memories of those we have lost to cancer, and praying that we can one day stop adding names to this list. 

--Laurie and Alec Burpee