Hip Hip Hooray for Joni Relyea!!!!!

In May of 2005, I first profiled breast cancer survivor Joni Relyea on 9 News Now about her involvement in the Relay for Life in Northern Virginia. Because of her health, Joni couldn't run in the Relay For Life but she could paint. Joni's "First Bloom" water colors helped raise money for this American Cancer Society event. She also saluted the first finishers in the race with the gift of one of her beautiful paintings.
Since then, Joni has been covering everything she can think of with her colorful blossoms - including umbrellas and note cards. She even created a special artistic tribute that was presented in June at the Komen Race For the Cure.
Here is what Komen For the Cure had to say about Joni Relyea's talent and generosity.

"Joni Relyea, a local artist and breast cancer survivor, initially contacted the Komen National Race for the Cure wanting to donate umbrellas, silk screened with her “First Bloom Collection” to fellow survivors. She then offered to donate a “First Bloom” water color painting for the 2007 Survivor of the Year. When she delivered the finished painting to the Race Office, she brought with her a smaller version as a gift for the Race Staff which hangs proudly in the reception area of the Race Office. Joni didn’t stop there; she has subsequently donated paintings and umbrellas to no less than a dozen Race for the Cure events around the country and she hasn’t stopped yet! Thank you, Joni for your generosity in giving to Susan G. Komen for the Cure! "

And Buddy Check 9 thanks Joni too for sharing her story first with WUSA, 9News Now. To read my interview with Joni Relyea click here