Flying Horse Farms

A few weeks ago I had the volunteering opportunity of a lifetime. I volunteered at Flying Horse Farms in Mt. Gilead, OH. FHF is a camp that allows children with terminal illnesses to go for a week or a weekend and be a kids. They do not have to worry about doctor visits, hospital stays, and everything else that revolves around them being sick. When I first arrived, I did not know what to expect. I am not very outgoing so I knew that in order to meet knew people and have a good time I would have to instantly be able to stick my hand out and say "Hi, I'm Amanda, nice to meet you." Luckily, it was very easy and now I stay in contact with many of the people I stayed with. The week I volunteered was Hematology/Oncology week and the kids were amazing (amazing doesn't even describe what they were, they were indescribable). It is incredible to see all the volunteers and everyone that participates in these camps. I was worried I would be the odd one out, the last time I camped I was ten! However, this camp is different, it is exactly how they describe it Magical Transforming Fun. Every moment, from the camp fires, to the wish sticks, to the Camp dance, to the Luau. All of it is amazing!!! Every time someone asks me how camp was, I get a huge grin on my face and cannot stop talking about it. I love Flying Horse Farms and encourage you to check it, donate, or volunteer! It is an amazing time.

Relay for Life

Today is the Relay for Life on Campus. It is going to be an exciting event and I love participating in the event. I have my own team this year and even though we did not get the numbers we thought we would we are small, but mighty. I only have two other team members, not including myself, but we are excited and we have almost reached our fundraising goal of $500.00.

The Relay for Life is an important event for me considering that I know many people who have survived or passed away from cancer. One person in particular that I relay for is my Uncle. I have been participating in Relay for Life since I was a sophomore in high school and it means a lot to see friends come together for a great cause of raising money and having a great time.

If you have never heard of Relay for Life, it American Cancer Society's biggest fundraising event. It takes place all over the United States and it brings communities together. The Relay for Life is typically 18-25 hours long (depending on the size) and has teams of typically ten raise money and walk around a track. One person from each team is constantly on the track for the total time of the relay. Great music, fun activities, and food are also apart of this event. Relay for Life also has some meaningful activities as well. The first lap at relay is started by survivors from the community so that we can honor them for their battle against cancer. Another meaningful event that takes place in the evening is the Luminaria ceremony. This is where luminaries with names of individuals who have survived or passed away from cancer are remembered. This lap is done in silence so those can be remembered or honored for what they have been through.

If you have not participated in a Relay for Life event, I really encourage you to find one around you community and become a part of it. Even the smallest amount helps. Take my team for example, we have three people and have raised almost $500.oo.

Check back here in a couple of weeks as well to learn about another event I take place in. April tends to be my service month for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Autism Speaks.