Relay for Life

In 2008 I had a rare and wonderful opportunity as an actor. I had a stage partner who was as giving and natural as any I had ever worked with. We were cast as husband and wife in a show called "Breakfast with Les and Bess" This show called for pages of dialogue between just me and my fellow actor. With someone else in his role, it could have been a nightmare. It was a joy!! I am relatively sure that anyone seeing that performance may have thought we were actually married to each other in real life. Our chemistry and rapport was just that good! For the brief 3 week run, I felt like this actor was my husband. I was so proud of the work we did together! The couple in this show have their differences. In fact, you think they might even split. You see them fight and argue, but in the end you find out that they really love each other, and that for all of Les' arguing, what he really wants is more time with his Bess. There is a scene at the end of the show, and the character of Les makes a gesture that is so sweet to show his wife just how much he loves her. It's the final moment in the show. I can still see myself looking at my sweet friend with a little tear in my eye and grabbing his hand as the lights went down. The actor was Jay McCullough. Why did I tell you that story, you ask? Because shortly after that show closed, Jay found out he had cancer, and in 2009 it took him from us. My family has no history of cancer, thank God, so I had never lost anyone close to me to the disease. I guess that's why Jay's death affected me so much. Cancer robbed the world of this wonderful, giving, sweet talented man. I felt cheated. I wanted more time with him. I wanted more chances to work with him, to create with him, and cancer said, "NO!"
I am sure you have heard of Relay for Life. My workplace has a team who is walking. I cannot be there for the event, but I have committed to raise money. I've dedicated my efforts to Jay's memory. The link will take you to my page. Please help me with my goal so that the world doesn't have to lose any more wonderful people like Jay to this frightening disease.