I was recently asked to speak for an auction to benefit the American Cancer Society. It is an annual event that the employees of the city of Issaquah put on each year as their fundraiser for their Relay for Life team. I wasn’t too nervous, since I have shared my story before. I added some medical details to my story so that they could appreciate how much someone like me has benefitted from the research and medical advances that their fundraising supports.

When I got there, I saw a parking lot full of city utility trucks and police cars. I went inside and was slightly intimidated by the crowd. I saw policemen,  firefighters and utility workers, people from parks and recreation and city council, and even the mayor. I hoped that my story would be appropriate for this crowd.

I stood up front and shared not knowing what impact my story might have, but I was thankful for a few people looking back at me with an encouraging smile.  Afterwards, several people came up and thanked me for speaking.  A few of them were dealing with cancer in their immediate family, and I knew that my story had encouraged them.  I was also able to give some practical advice and resources.  I left feeling very glad that I had stepped out and risked being uncomfortable in order to help others.