Sunweaver Community Leader Rita Mariner Diagnosed With Stage Four Cancer

 

Sad news for the Sunweaver community, and the Sunbeamer Relay team. Rita Mariner, the community's "Chieftess," as well as the captain of it's Relay team, announced on the evening of Friday June 27 that the surgery for her cancer earlier this year in March was unsuccessful, that it had spread to the point it was Stage Four. 

 

 Turns out they waited too long to treat the cancer on my head. It spread to (the lymph) system and has spread throughout my beautiful bunny bod. PET Scan shows tiny cancers everywhere. Now instead of a  cure, best I can hope for is  add time to my life.

Love you all.

There were numerous words of well-wishes from both the Sunweavers as well as from the Relay volunteers group. 

 

Hopefully things aren't as bad as they seem for Rita

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Scenes From The Relay Track

 

 Taken at "La La And Glowworms" at RFL Win, a collection of various cancer ribbons, each representing a particular type. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Sunweaver Leader Rita Mariner in Hospital

 

Some bad news for the Sunweaver community, as well as it's Relay team the Sunbeamers. It's "chieftess," Rita Mariner, is now in the hospital for treatment of skin cancer. The following was announced a few days ago: 

 

Here's the latest on Rita, she has being treated now for the skin cancer on her head but now she has been admitted to the VA hospital for radiation treatments for the next 6 weeks. She has no computer at least not right now, hopefully get one to her somehow. So she will miss the air show and this may have a impact on what rides and planes we will have.
 

Hopefully her treatments will be shorter than expected. For now, the community, and it's Relay team, are continuing on while she gets better.

 

Bixyl Shuftan.  

 

Cartoon of The Day: Cancer Stinks

 

 Taken at the Relay Weekend's opening ceremony. There was one other skunk, Kamida, but she'll get her own cartoon soon. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Reader Submitted Picture: Tiny Empires Queen Memorial

 

 

 From Kamida Delec, from when Tiny Empires Queen Julie Apocalypse passed away from cancer and a tournament was held in her honor,  "Remembering a victim of Cancer. Tuesday ‎19 ‎May ‎2009, ‏‎19:17:04 (CET)"

 

RFL Living Expo Begins Today

 

 

 The first of the Relay for Life major fundraisers, the SL Living Expo, is starting today. From February 5 to Friday February 14, the event will be taking place across six sims west of the American Cancer Society sims.

Join us for the SL Living Expo, a vibrant virtual event within Second Life dedicated to supporting Relay For Life of Second Life. This expo brings together communities from across the virtual world to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support programs. Experience a shopping event with booths from creators across the Second Life grid, enjoy live music performances, participate in exciting contests, and take part in raffles and auctions with fabulous prizes. Your participation helps make a difference in the fight against cancer. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause while having a great time in Second Life!

 

To check the event blog, Click Here: https://sl-living-expo.org/

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL%20Living%20Expo/129/128/24

 

"A Child’s Journey Through Cancer: The Musical"

 

The "I Pink I Can" fundraiser to help raise money to combat breast cancer is over. While it took place, there were a number of events. Among them was a stage play done by Patty Flow with the help of a number of other Relayers: "A Child's Journey Through Cancer: The Musical." Yours truly attended. So how did it go?

Read the story in Events.

 

Press Release: Out Shop Cancer Looking For Bloggers

 

Calling All Fashionable Bloggers! Support Breast Cancer Research with Out Shop Cancer

 

Are you a passionate blogger with a love for fashion and a desire to make a difference? Out Shop Cancer Second Life, an official Strides Campaign of the American Cancer Society, is seeking dedicated bloggers to join their team for the 2024 shopping event!

Running throughout October, this month-long extravaganza features a vibrant marketplace filled with unique Second Life creations. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the American Cancer Society, supporting vital breast cancer research, treatment programs, and survivor services like Reach To Recovery.

Spread the Word and Support a Worthy Cause!

Out Shop Cancer is searching for enthusiastic bloggers who can help spread awareness about the event. Selected bloggers will create engaging content featuring stunning Second Life fashions from participating stores. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity while contributing to a great cause.

Become an Out Shop Cancer Blogger:

• Experienced Blogger:
  We're looking for bloggers who have been active for at least 3 months with consistent posting (once or twice a week).
• High-Quality Visuals: Captivating photos featuring Second Life fashions are a must!
• Engaging Content: Combine stunning visuals with creative narratives and detailed item listings with Second Life store links.
• Easy Navigation: Make sure your blog is searchable and features clear posting dates.

Benefits of Participating:

• Be a part of a meaningful event that supports breast cancer research and survivor programs.
• Gain exposure to a dedicated Second Life fashion community.
• Network with other passionate bloggers.

Ready to Apply?

Visit https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/bloggers/ to join the Out Shop Cancer blogging team. Let's raise awareness and funds for this critical cause together!

About Out Shop Cancer Second Life:

Out Shop Cancer Second Life is a dedicated platform within Second Life that provides support, resources, and community for breast cancer survivors.

About the American Cancer Society:

The American Cancer Society is a leading organization dedicated to saving lives from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Contact:

For questions or additional information, please contact AveryMae Amore or Sandie Loxingly.

 

Dropping By The Fandom Con

 

 

 The other day, I dropped by the Fandom Con at a music event at the ship stage in Nautical (202/70/23). DJ Knut was performing for a small but enthusiastic crowd. There was one more in the water as well, a mermaid. Nearby were some of the raffles mentioned in the Newser a couple days ago, but the focus was on the music.

 

Looking around, there were a couple stores, such as these two in the WastedLands. At least some of the money of each purchase goes to the American Cancer Society. Or one can simply donate in the numerous kiosks around.

And plenty of scenery as well. 

The Fandom Con goes on to Sunday, August 11.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Fandom Con Raffles and Auctions

 

 

 From Oldesoul Eldermar, "Wow, it's time!!!  We have Raffles and Silent Auctions for Linden items on and ready at the Thunderdome Stage, and Pirate's Cove."

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/WastedLands/138/48/23    

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nautical/202/70/23
sl-fandom-con.org/linden-contributions
 

"All monies go to the American Cancer Society."

 

 Several items are being raffled by Linden Lab:

6 Month Premium Account Access
12 Month Premium Account Access
1 Hour Hangout/Photo Session with Patch
3 Last Name Changes from the Existing Last Name Pool
Pick a future last name and receive change for free *subject to LL approval

Two items are being auctioned (at the WastedLands location

Homestead for 6 Months

Premium Plus Account Access for 6 Months

Go Relay!

A Song For The Relay, "We Are Here"

 

There's no arguing that DJing takes some time, effort, and skill. But it's something else to be able to write an actual song. Mattie Carlton (Mattie Foxpaws)  recently came up with one in honor of a friend who had recently passed away from cancer. She is not keeping it for herself, but is free for everyone to use, especially for Relay events. She recently told the Newser a little about the song, and how it came to be.

 

Read the story in Design.

Sylys Sable (Sylys Weezles) Has Died.

 

Some sad news for the Angels community, the Happy Vixen, and a number of other clubs. Sylys Sable (account name Sylys Weezles), has passed away. He died in late February of liver cancer. 

Sylys came to Second Life in May 2008.  His profile listed his main appearance as an anthro pine martin, but had multiple avatars, "sometimes I'm a phoenix, sometimes I'm a gryphon." He appeared at the Happy Vixen a number of times, standing out in his avian avatars. He described himself as a "club hopper," and was in the groups of a number of others, such as Club Furzona and The Ark. 

In real life, he was Mark Merlino. His wikifur entry describes him as a founding member of the furry fandom, cofounder of one of the first furry cons, Confurence, in 1989. In early February this year, during a hospital exam it was discovered he had Stage Four liver cancer. He died a few weeks later. He was 71 years old. 

 

Sylys had a Flickr page , and was known on Furaffinity as Sysable

Rest in peace,

Bixyl Shuftan

Addition: A recording was done of a memorial service to Sylys (click here)

Announcement: Gem Sunkiller at The Christmas Expo Today, 5PM

 

 

 Wednesday December 6, 2023

The Electric Reindeer (SL Christmas Expo)

5-7 PM SL time

Gem will be playing songs of the season as the backdrop for celebrating HOPE for children with cancer.

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lights%20of%20Hope/128/61/23

Relay Season Starts Tomorrow

 

 

After months of planning, the Relay for Life in Second Life is about to start it's 2023 fundraising season. This year's theme is "Hope Floats." So expect a lot of boating, and perhaps swimming, underwater, and airship events.

 

 

It all starts tomorrow at the "Kickoff," Saturday February 18, at the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society 2 sims. The event officially starts at 10 AM SL time (1PM EST), but as it will likely be crowded, it's advised you get there early.

"Go Relay!"

Bixyl Shuftan

Friday Night Relaystock Event Turns Into Tribute For Departed Friend

 

With fewer musicians than Saturday or Sunday, some Relayers might overlook Friday at the Relaystock. But Quartz's performance for team Spirit or the Dragon at 6PM got attention due to a sad turn of events. he had been planing on doing the event in behalf of a friend suffering from cancer. But, her fight against cancer had come to the end no one wanted earlier that day.

[17:21] Darkstone Aeon: I would like to invite you to join me at Relay Stock  - the one event Spirit or the Dragon Relay team is doing this year - @ 6pm Quartz is singing to help raise funds for American Cancer Society - 

Tonite I was going to tell the story of a friend in real life who has kept a diary she kept on fb & talk s of her journey with cancer for the last 236 days and her battle with Graft-versus-host disease  - tonite she lost her battle - I am here because I can -    so I dedicate this night to Mary  RelayStock (72,122,23)
[17:24] Liz Wilner: Bless Mary
[17:27] Alison Flow: hugs stone
[17:27] Rayvynex Resident: We Relay for those who cant....for all the Marys

Quartz would perform for one hour from 6 to 7 PM. As he played his music, people from the audience donated thousands of Lindens to the kiosk on stage. While the Newser didn't get the total team Spirit of the Dragon got that night, it's on the record it was over 11,000 in the middle of the show.

The musicians start up again today at 10:30 AM SL time, including the Sunbeamers' Cynthia Farshore at 3 PM. Sunday at 3PM has DJ Kalya of Roos With a Dream. The last scheduled event later that day at 5PM is the Relay Rockers' Trader Whiplash.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

RFL: My Mother's Caregiver

 

Today I'm deviating from my usual writing about something in Second Life, although it is about something that will affect my time here in the virtual world. Lately my real life has gotten less predictable as someone in real life close to me is now in need of help, and it's up to me to do so.

More in Extra.
 

Announcement: Relay Rap April 3rd - "When A Survivor Loses The Fight"

 

On April 3rd, Relay Rap addresses a difficult subject, 'When A Survivor Loses The Fight'

It is an unfortunate reality in Relay For Life that we lose friends and loved ones to cancer.

Join us as a panel of caregivers share their stories and experiences and provide their unique insight into this complex and sensitive topic.

Hear how they dealt with the loss of their loved one.
Find out how we all can better support those who are grieving.
Learn how the American Cancer Society provides support for those faced with end of life situations due to cancer.

Expected guests:
Tara Tisane
Eclair Martinek
Ethy Dragoste Firehawk-Knight
Sabrina Rhodes

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/63/218/36
 

Reader Submitted: My Cancer Journey ( Still Outgoing )

 

Recently Alysabelle Resident sent in a reader submitted story about a very personal story. It was about a year and a half ago in which doctors gave her some bad news. She had come down with cancer. It was a difficult journey, one she wasn't sure she could go through. But she had some people she could turn to. Among them are some here in Second Life.

Read Alysabelle's reader submission in People.
 

RFL Announcement: Kickin Cancer At Kickin Boots All Day, Today

 

Please come join us for an all day event to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer at Kickin Boots.  The event will start at 10am and end at Midnight SLT, all L$ will be placed into the RFL Kiosk on stage!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kickin%20Boots/177/57/3894
 

Announcement: I Pink I Can Halloween

 

Camping for a Cure acting on behalf of the ACS Relay for Life in SL is announcing its October Strides campaign, I Pink I Can! From October 8-17, enjoy some retro themed Halloween fun (think 80s-90s scary movies!) and work with us for a great cause. There are so many vendors and designers already involved with the event, but we can always use more! Please Contact Jenny Shackle in world if you would like to be a sponsor for I Pink I Can. 

Watch this blog for more information! http://www.campingforacuresl.com/