2019 Paint the Paper Pink

Page 52 2019 Paint the Paper Pink Lincoln Daily News October 2019 came over to her and said, “Grandma, you’re freaking that kid out.” Fast forwarding to her final day of chemo, Mary recounted that day as a celebration. As a reward, they went out to eat at the Olive Garden, one of her favorite restaurants. She said that at the end of her treatment she received a bouquet of flowers. She took the flowers into the restaurant with her and the hostess asked if it was a special day. Indeed it was, her last day of chemo. In just a bit, the servers came out with a card that each one had signed congratulating her on winning her battle. They also picked up the tab for the meal that day. Mary noted that it was a sweet surprise. Now, almost five years later, Mary and Michelle are still celebrating every day. Mary said that once a person has been diagnosed though, it is a shadow that is always there. “There is a part of you that even deep, deep, deep way back there, you’re not totally sure it won’t pop up somewhere else. It makes you appreciate life that much more. You take every day and live it to the fullest, and don’t worry about it, you can’t dwell on it, but it is still always with you. I’ll feel very blessed when that five years comes and I will be breast cancer free. Breast cancer free.” [Nila Smith] Note: Relay Recess is endorsed by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and the Relay for Life of Logan County. The students spend a designated period of time on one special day learning various things about cancer. The day includes fun activities as well as educational sessions about smoking, lung cancer, skin cancer, eating right and staying active. The days are also designated as school fundraiser days for the ACS. Relay Recess is generally held at the end of the school year, with the money raised being given to the Relay for Life of Logan County. Several Lincoln elementary schools participate in Relay Recess annually.