“Brooke was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2013 at the age of 10. Her strength and courage is an inspiration to us all.” – Paula Herrington
Be it a co-worker, a family member or dear friend, there are few who can say they have not been impacted in some way by this terrible disease. The devastating impact on the families and victims of this disease are undeniable and he fight against cancer is a daily struggle for many. That is why we, here at Food Warming Equipment, are teaming up with the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay for Life.
FWE’s very own Annette Kirby takes the lead in putting together our Relay for Life, a team event that celebrates cancer survivors, and raises funds for the American Cancer Society research, education, prevention, advocacy and patient services. The ACS’s Relay for Life is a fun, outdoor and overnight fundraising event where teams take turns walking or running around a track. Food Warming Equipment will have a team participating to raise money for such a worthy cause.
Operation Brooke: A Fight to Survive
Paula Herrington, contributor and lead coordinator, informs us all that, “Food Warming Equipment’s team name is Operation Brooke. We are walking in support of Brooke Coddington. Brooke is the 10 year old daughter of an FWE employee. The Relay starts off with a Survivor’s Walk, where cancer survivors walk the initial lap, symbolizing the courage that survivors and their families display and sustain in their lives.”
Paula goes on to say, “On the opening night, there is a beautiful and touching Luminaria Ceremony that pays tribute to cancer survivors and to loved ones who still live on in our hearts. During the Luminaria Ceremony, the luminaria bags, which are personalized for the person being honored, have candles placed in them. The votive burns throughout the night, serving as a reminder of the purpose of Relay for Life.”
FWE’s team will be one of many at the Portland Relay of Life on June 20th 2014. To date 24 teams and 249 participants have raised over $22,000. Millions of people of take part in Relay for Life events around the country and it raises over 40% of the funding for the American Cancer Society.
How can you help?
You may purchase a luminaria to honor someone fighting cancer or in remembrance of someone who has lost their battle with cancer. These luminarias can be purchased by anyone. As part of the fundraising activities, the person that sells the most will be awarded with Personal Time Off. The Form is attached. You may purchase a Team T-shirt. Half the proceeds for the shirt will be donated to the American Cancer Society. These T-shirts are not just for team members; they can be purchased by anyone.
Another fund raising activity, is a game that FWE employees Geoff, Souk and Rory have all agreed to participate in! Each guy has a jug. The object of the game is that the person with the MOST money in his jug is the loser. The loser will have to Karaoke in front of everyone! Everyone is encouraged to put money in the jug of the guy they want to “hear” sing!
Lastly, if you want to join the FWE team officially you can go to the website: American Cancer Society Relay Events | Relay For Life. Any amount or participation will help.
Or email Annette Kirby for further information on how you can help at 
Big thanks go to Annette and Paula for supporting the fight against cancer and taking the lead in this initiative to help bring awareness to the American Cancer Society and help in the cause to fight cancer.