"Rallying for Randy"

Friday, April 29th, 2011 was Laurel's annual Relay for Life. This is the second largest Relay for Life in the south!! For those who have never been, it's an amazing experience and I encourage everyone to come out next year! This was my very first experience as well.
In June 2009, Tyler and I moved from Hattiesburg to Laurel and were expecting our first bundle of joy. We moved into a small, red brick home with green shutters and a spacious sunroom in a quiet little neighborhood. Perfect for just us three. After just a few weeks of living here, our neighbors sought us out and came over to introduce themselves. Little did they know, Lightseys never meet strangers! We became friends instantly!
Our neighbors that I speak of include: Randy and Sonja Welborn, Becky Sherman and Lanie, Melissa Hester and Emily, Waylon Trisler, and Jessica (BLT) and Josh Welborn. These people are the kindest, most unselfish people I've ever met. I know that if my family ever needed anything, these people would be there, no questions asked. I love each one of you from the bottom of my heart. Having said this, our relationship with each grew closer and closer. In June 2010, Randy, was diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer. He immediately began treatments. Randy has been in and out of the hospital with sickness and blood transfusions. Due to this illness, he was also laid off work. And as all of us know, if you don't work, you don't get paid. "And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans." Romans 8:28
When it came time for Relay for Life, we organized a team to support Randy and to help the American Cancer Society in finding a cure for cancer. The theme for each team was to pick a movie. Our team chose the movie "300". Like Randy, this movie is very strong and courageous. Our slogan was "No Retreat, No Surrender", just like a cancer patient does not retreat or surrender, they keep fighting! Just our team alone was able to raise $2100 for the ACS this year! We had an awesome time and did it all for the cure!
We are also having a benefit for Randy entitled "Rally for Randy Day". It will be held May 21st @ Shady Grove Elementary from 10am-4pm. There will be an auction of donated items from vendors all over the Pinebelt, a baked goods auction, dunking booth, food, children's activities, poker run, live music, kid's jump, Mr. Silly Socks, and door prizes will be given all day! This man (Randy) and his family has been such an inspiration to me and I dedicate this blog to them. I ask each one of you to please pray for this dear family as they endure this journey together. And also to pray for good weather for the benefit, because it will be held outside! I hope to see each one of you there! May God bless you all! "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Here are just a few pics taken at Relay for Life:

Grant

Emily, Lanie, and Grant

Rally for Randy cake

Our tent @ Relay

Becky and Me

Grant and Me 

Becky and Lanie

Randy (purple shirt) and his family