Contrasts are found everywhere with some being a little more subtle than others. Those that are obvious are often because of the stark difference in the colours in the image such as those in the gallery above which require no explanation.This differs from the image below. It is much more subtle in its contrasts apart from again, the white against black.
© irene waters 2014
Relay for life is an event held in communities where teams of ten to fifteen challenge themselves to keep the baton moving in a relay style walk or run overnight to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those loved ones lost to the disease and fight back against a problem that affects far too many. The participants pay to enter and they also get sponsorship from friends and family with all the money going to cancer research.
The walking begins in the early afternoon and as dusk falls family and friend light the candles and place a cross in the ground in the middle of the oval remembering those who have lost the fight. It is highly charged with emotion for all but particularly those who are mourning and those who have survived.
After this ceremony we walk through the night. For me this signified the long battle that those who are fighting the disease undergo. Certainly by four am I wanted to give up but with the support of the others I kept going and came out the other end. A short battle in comparison to those undergoing treatment.
The contrasts in the photo are more subtle than are apparent in person. Joy and happiness at surviving, ongoing fear of recurrence, huge battles fighting the disease with periods of despair, hope, frustration and joy, overwhelming sadness and determination that we will not let it beat us. Sometimes putting on a happy face is a trifle difficult.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
What a fun take on the prompt! 🙂 🙂
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Thanks
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What a wonderful tribute!
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Thanks Noelle
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The photos really show contrast, Irene, and the they are all the more special for the event they commemorate.
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Thanks Christine. Yes very special and full of contrasts.
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A powerful share for this challenge Irene, what a great thing to take part in, the Relay for Life. A sharp contrast indeed not only in your lovely photographs but between the range of human emotion when fighting for one’s life. Very touching and moving.
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Thanks Sherri. It was a moving experience (both physically and emotionally) to take part. 🙂
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Yes…in every way and I am in awe of you my friend 🙂
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🙂
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Your description of the Relay for Life is a very moving example of contrasts.
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Thanks Joanne. It certainly is a very moving event to take part in.
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Great post. 😀
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Thanks Raewyn. 🙂
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Hi Irene, This is such an important message. There is hardly a person whose life will not be touched by cancer; if not their own life then that of a family member or friend. As you have said, the fear never passes. It is a wonderful thing you all do, sharing support and unity with those who are suffering. My niece participated last year. I must find out if she did this year.
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Thanks Norah. Sadly you are right that we are all touched in one way or another by cancer. On a positive note great strides are being made and some incredible treatments and even vaccines are close to being used. The relay is a great way of showing support and earning some funds to help with these great innovations.
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Yes, Irene, that is great news. Our collective knowledge is growing every day! We are fortunate to live in these times, and places.
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🙂
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