Until The Bitter End...

At the end of the day we had raised over $11,000 for the fight against melanoma!!!

But let’s start at the beginning of the day…. By 9:30 Saturday morning the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal walkway was buzzing with activity. Cadets from Massachusetts Maritime Academy came in great force to set up tables, move chairs, hang signs and carry coolers. As more family and friends arrived we were presented with raffle prizes, food for pot luck and hands offering to help. By 1:30 participants were arriving, raffle tickets were flying and in the background the band started playing.

The crowd grew to just under 200 people as we prepared for the walk. Kathy Bowers, a dermatologist and the daughter of close family friend of Terry, spoke about the importance of sun protection and education about melanoma. Jim, Terry’s loving husband, reminded everyone of the love and life she shared with so many. Thank-you’s were made and raffle prizes were awarded. The walk began by Joe O’Neill leading the way with his bagpipe. During the walk you could hear stories of Terry being passed along, stories of other struck with cancer, and stories of those who survived. Laughter prevailed in the end as the troops were welcomed back to a party tent full of food, music, and newly made friends.

As the sun sank lower in the sky and the crowds headed home, I realized that I failed to mention a key component of the day – the band – The Bitter End! When all was said and done, and the sun was setting on melanoma, the band was there… until The Bitter End.

It is not the act of one person who makes this day happen, it is the work of many. Thank you to all who made the day possible!