My final part in a series about my experiences at Relay for Life 2018.
PUBLISHED JUNE 15, 2018
Justin Birckbichler is a fourth grade teacher, testicular cancer survivor and the founder of aBallsySenseofTumor.com. From being diagnosed in November 2016 at the age of 25, to finishing chemo in January 2017, to being cleared in remission in March, he has been passionate about sharing his story to spread awareness and promote open conversation about men's health. Connect with him on Instagram @aballsysenseoftumor, on Twitter @absotTC, on Facebook or via email justin@aballsysenseoftumor.com.
I've been reflecting on my experience from Relay for Life 2018, which was my first one ever. Even though it was my first, I was both the team captain and a cancer survivor. I've shared two of my takeaways: “Relay for Life is to celebrate cancer survivors” and “Relay for Life is to fight back against cancer.” Today brings us to the third, and most serious, takeaway I left Relay with.
Relay for Life is to remember the fallen
When it comes to cancer, it's not just all about celebrating the survivors and talking about balls. Unfortunately, there is a somber side: those who we lost to cancer. A big part of Relay for Life is the luminary ceremony. I didn't purchase an "In Honor of Justin Birckbichler" bag, and I dissuaded others from doing so, since I am still here, and I wanted any money to go to remembering those who are no longer with us. (My mom did end up suggesting a bag to remember Lefty.)
As I've said numerous times, my Grandpa was the first real experience I've had with cancer and my first close family member who passed away. He's a big part of motivation for what I do with cancer awareness and his mantra of "Just tell me what I need to do and I'll do it" was what kept me going during chemotherapy. When I was buying luminary bags for other colleagues, I purchased one for him, too. Later that evening, I set it out on the track along with the hundreds of others, and all the participants began the silent remembrance lap.
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