Batter Up! Now It's Your Turn

We gave our all and — and even a little more — but it just wasn't enough for this group of cancer survivors.

After giving up a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, we were on our heels for the rest of the game. OK, so we didn't win, but we had a heck of a time during Saturday afternoon's charity softball game.

The game at College of Marin's Indian Valley Campus in Novato helped kick off the fundraising and signup drive for the Novato Relay for Life. The Relay is scheduled for July 28 at Novato's San Jose Middle School. The 101 registered participants have so far raised $3,903, including an impressive $1,548 by Jennifer Wilson.

We always want to remember the loved ones we've lost to cancer and those who have helped support us through our own battles with cancer. I fondly remember all the folks I met at last year's Relay for Life. The Relay is perhaps unexpectedly one of the most joyous, fun and even silly events — all the things life should be. Even wearing our grass skirts and plastic leis, there's always a feeling of respect and honor.

Just like Saturday, we're having fun while staying focused on a good cause.

Only a couple of people Saturday looked like real ballplayers — Tanya's a great centerfielder. We were all competitive, but I think the heat had us all beat by the third inning.

We could have used a few more ballplayers on the field and fans in the bleachers, but it was a great time. There was a raffle and BBQ to raise money as well.

Still, I hope you'll join us in July for the Relay. Early bird registration is still open.

For more information on cancer and carcinoid cancer, consider these sites:

Carcinoid Cancer Foundation

Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Network

Carcinoid.com

Stanford Medicine Cancer Institute

Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles

Marin Cancer Institute

University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Jimmy V Foundation

American Cancer Society