Relay For Life-Jodi’s Bulldogs

Jodi's Bulldogs

As the nights begin to get cooler and the leaves start their changing of colors, I reflect back on the summer months that have passed so quickly. One of the highlights of this summer has to be the Idaho Falls Relay For Life event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, held on July 12 at Bonneville High School. I have to be honest with all of you…I was not aware of what Relay For Life represented or had I ever been a part of it. It wasn’t until my former department contacted me and said they wanted to form a team in my name. I was so honored. Thus the name of Jodi’s Bulldogs came to life.

Before I get into the nuts and bolts of this memorable evening, let me inform you a bit of what Relay For Life represents. At Relay For Life events, communities across the world come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too many. The personal donations and funds each team raises truly make a difference in the fight against cancer. Approximately 14 million survivors will celebrate another year of survival. As the evening of events unfold, Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Events are up to 24 hours long, and because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. 

So…my team began planning for the evening of this event months in advance. Whitney Anderson, one of my previous employees, sits on the planning committee for the Idaho Falls Relay for Life and was the catalyst to forming a team in my name. Nadene Anderson, another former employee, took on the assignment of being the team captain. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center’s administration was supportive and paid for the registration of the team and had a beautiful banner made – Bite Back. Jodi’s Bulldogs! The team consists of 20 employees/co-workers/friends that had a special interest of being a part of this team and were committed to raising money for the great event. Of the 20, there were 6 survivors on the team with 3 currently receiving treatment.

So the work began. Personal donations were made. Luminaries were sold to individuals who then decorated them with a personal touch, which were later used the evening of the event for the infamous luminary lap. Another big money raiser for our team was the Midsummer Get-Away Raffle which consisted of a limousine ride, $50 dinner gift card at a local restaurant and a luxury suite at the Hampton Inn plus two movie tickets. We sold over 250 raffle tickets at $5 each or 3 for $10. Gift baskets were donated, food was planned to be sold that night, tents tables, chairs, and BBQs were donated. Everyone pitched in together to make this a successful occasion. I was so touched that my former department was so engaged in supporting me, even though I had been out of work for five months. How I loved my department!!!! and still do. I must mention my division boss, Barb Ashton, who got the support from the Mountain Division in supporting this great cause. She and her husband made the trip from Salt Lake City and spent the evening with all of us.
 

 

The night of the event was a very emotional one for me and my daughter Kristi, who accompanied me that evening. Upon our arrival, we were treated to a meal. We picked up our survivor and caregiver packets. Shirts were waiting for us to wear that night. Opening ceremonies were in the middle of the football field. Music was playing, speakers talked about their personal cancer experience, and survivors stood based on their years of survival. This one gentleman I remember was a 45 year survivor. I thought to myself, if he can do it, so can I!!! Then there was the silent auction of five beautiful quilts that individuals had made. There was one that stood out that I really liked. I happened to be sitting next to one of my physicians who is also a personal friend, Dr. Brad Stoddard. He got the bidding going and going and going. It was quite entertaining and really got the crowd involved. This one quilt eventually sold for $1250. Yes, one quilt.

After the opening ceremonies were over, we all returned to our individual team tents. From there, an initial survivor lap was completed followed by a caregiver and an opening lap. As we took our turns walking around the track, it was quite impressive to see what each of the individual teams had made and were selling all in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society for continued cancer research. I was quite impressed with our team’s efforts-subway like sandwiches, BBQ corn (very popular and thank you Burke Webster for this great idea), sliced watermelon, drinks, gift baskets, and doggie towels with hoods.
 

 

As the evening went on, each of the team members would take turns walking around the track, thus the name Relay For Life. This went on throughout the night along with family games, activities, and entertainment. Then there was the infamous Luminaria Ceremony where luminary bags and candles were lit to honor loved ones who have passed or are fighting the disease. The stadium lights were turned off and the glow of the bags lit the night time skies. If this didn’t give you goose bumps, I’m not sure what would!

I must say how proud I am of our team. For a first year team, our contributions made a difference. Jodi’s Bulldogs ended up with nearly $4,700 in contributions and a silver team designation. We were also in the TOP TEN teams finishing #6 overall out of 87 teams. The total amount raised from the Idaho Falls Relay For Life event was $125,000. As much as I have inspired my employees/co-workers/friends, they have inspired me. Thank you all for your efforts in making this event so memorable for me and one that I will never forget. You will all be forever cherished and in my heart!