Let me tell you the story of my “little” sister, Eva Mae Vines, who was 10 years older than I.

She was only 5 feet in stature but she was a little dynamo of energy, friendship and faith.

One in two women and one in three men will have cancer some time in their lifetime.

In our family there were nine children — six girls, three boys. Seven have had some type cancer, some more than one type.

But this story is about Eva.

Eva not only loved all but was loved by all. The “little dynamo” could out fish a lot of men and made her last deer hunt at age 84; even continuing after she had had breast cancer in 2002.

She became active in Relay for Life, volunteering with the Sisters by Choice Support Group Team for several years.

As she and I were trying to decide how we would raise our funds for Relay, we decided on baking and selling homemade bread and rolls. Over the next eight or so years, we, along with several family and friend helpers, earned thousands of dollars for Relay for Life, always baking for two or more days before Relay, flea markets and between times year ’round.

Our Relay booth was always sought out by returning customers wanting more of our “Two Sisters Bread and Rolls.”

After we had to stop our baking project due to health reasons, Eva continued her love for volunteering and participating in Relay. One of my favorite pictures is the one at our last Relay together.

At the ripe “young” age of 86, she almost outdid me on the Survivor lap.

Eva succumbed to another illness just prior to the next Relay but I know that each year she is watching and cheering us on as we Relay for Life for those who continue to fight this battle.

 

-Pearl