ONE PERSON

One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.
While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.
Since that first Relay For Life® event, millions have joined the cause all over the world, making Relay the largest fundraising event in mankind’s history.
My children, ( Larry, Sherrie, and grandaughter Autumn ) have a Relay For Life team dedicated to me called Ray Of Light. That Relay race will be held in Chico, Ca. April 25-26 2009. Many other Chico teams will participate, also.
I had planned on joining them for the festivities next month, but I don't know if that will be possible this year. I am supposed to start chemotherapy at about that time in April. That is the most important activity for me right now.
So never think that because you are just one person, that your little contribution won't make a difference. Anything you can do to make the world a better place is important , from helping to clean up the oceans and beaches, to walking in Relay marathons to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
I'm sure there is a Relay For Life near you. Google it and find your town or city.

HOPE

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had, or events can turn out for the best. Hope can be passive such as a wish or a prayer. Or it can be active, as in a plan, sometimes against all popular belief, but with a persistent personal action to execute the plan. Consider a P.O.W. who never gives up hope for escape, and against all odds, plans and accomplishes his escape.
So we make our plans and say our prayers. And build our Hope.
We must, regardless of the obstacles life puts in our path, continue to bolster and encourage Hope. To make it of primary importance, and to keep Hope strong, and not let it diminish. We must make our plans for our escape from whatever demon has us by the throat, whether physical, mental, emotional or imagined.

So, day by day, say a prayer for the accomplishment of your plan for escape. Write it down on a piece of paper, and review and update it often. Have a clear plan of action, and stick to that plan of action.

Part of your plan could be to communicate more with people that are like-minded, that are uplifting and are positive thinking. People that can give you support, and caring. Friends that understand and Love you.
If your goal seems impossible, the more important it is to build on that Hope.And to build your network of caring friends.
Finding a group for survivors of your demons, is extremely beneficial, and can be a good learning experience.The support and verbal exchange is phenomenal, and would be well worth your effort.
The time you spend in prayer is of utmost importance, and the conversations with God will help save your life.

'With God all things are possible.' Matthew 19:26