Not really AN related...

[EJTampa]

But still a great cause.  The American Cancer Society does the Relay for Lifes across the country to raise money to find cures for cancer and aid in cancer research.  I am a team leader at the National Weather Service Office that I work at.  We will have someone walking the track at all times between the hours of 1 PM Saturday and 6 AM Sunday!
 
I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to post this request here, but anyone is interested, my ACS page can be found at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09FL?px=8179817&pg=personal&fr_id=13558
 
Please do NOT feel obligated to donate.  I just believe in their cause so wanted to share what I'm doing this weekend!  I've been walking 3 to 4 miles almost everyday since about a week after my surgery on March 5th.  I bet I walk at least 20 miles this weekend!
 
Thanks for listening,
 
Ernie

[Keri]

Good for you, Ernie and team weather service! I had a friend who did the 2 day Avon walkathon (39 miles) last weekend.
I hope you have great weather (not torrential rains like Patrick had) and that you all raise lots of money for a great cause!
Have fun walking those 20 miles!
Keri

[EJTampa]

Hi Keri!
 
Thanks for the well wishes.  My sister passed away from a very nasty form of breast cancer before last years Relay.  She was going to come down and do the survivor lap.  I was very active in the Relay for Life before she was diagnosed, but even more passionate about it now.
 
We are very lucky in that our infliction is benign.  It's still scary to go through the whole journey, but our outcome is a whole lot better than those with a malignant cancer.
 
Ernie

[Keri]

Hi Ernie,
I am so sorry about your sister. That must be so difficult for you and your parents and other family. I do hope walking in the relay will be a special time as you are part of something that is both personal but also so encouraging to others as you all walk to raise money for such an important cause. Aw, this kind of thing makes me want to cry!

I also congratulate you for reaching your goal. Even though it will be an emotional experience, I hope it is fun as well as your participate with your team.

And take a long nap when you're done!

Keri

[ppearl214]

Ernie,

Still playing catch up on threads here... and saw this... and even though you are a Tampa Bay Rays fan *phoeey!*.... I honestly have to commend you and your team at the Nat'l Weather Office for doing this walk this weekend!  thank you SO much for doing this walk for so many afflicted by cancer.... and in honor of your sister. 

I know you all will do great!

Congrats!
Phyl

[EJTampa]

and even though you are a Tampa Bay Rays fan *phoeey!*....

You need to look at my avatar more closely Phyl!  My shirt says "Fenway Park"  I am NOT a Rays fan, but a BoSox fan!
 
Oh, and we went to the game last Saturday and had AWESOME seats in what they call the Whitney Bank Club.  All the food and beverage you can eat!  It was the one game the Red Sox managed to win out of the series!
 
I better add that Isabel is a Rays fan .
 
Ernie

[leapyrtwins]

Ernie -

definitely a wonderful cause.

Good luck this weekend 

Jan

[EJTampa]

Helo gang!
 
We're back from the Relay for Life.  We got in around 6:30 this morning and went straight to bed .  I walked 41 laps between noon yesterday and 6 AM this morning, for a total of about 10 miles.  The event raised over $88,000 for the American Cancer Society!
 
There are so many wonderful people who donate their time to organize the event and keep it running smoothly year after year.  I don't have the time to do that, but stand in awe of their dedication and resolve!
 
I've taken 2 ibuprofen now for my sore feet, but otherwise I'm feeling great!  I start midnight shifts tonight, which is ok, since I slept most of the day anyway .
 
Ernie

[Jim Scott]

Ernie:

Congratulations for your mighty effort on behalf of the American Cancer Society.  I hope your feet recover quickly from your trek! 

As a post-op AN patient just past the 60-day mark, your recovery is outstanding.  As a member of your community, your dedication to a very worthy charity is laudable.  Good Job! 

Jim

[texsooner]

Ernie,

I second what Jim said. Great job to walk 10 miles even without having had brain surgery. Congratulations...you should be proud of your physical accomplishment, setting a great example for posties, and also for raising money for a great cause.

Patrick