Relay for Life fights cancer
EL DORADO — Various teams throughout the county began to set up for the annual Relay for Life event at 8 a.m. on Friday at the John E. Gross Recreation Complex.
Officially kicking off at 6:30 p.m., participants were able to view the presentation of colors and hear the singing of the national anthem, followed by a celebration of survivors walk. This year, four cancer survivors proudly walked a quarter of the track as a victory lap for all fellow cancer survivors as well as releasing balloons at the end zone.
To keep spirits high through the night, there were events like a crazy hat contest, tent judging, lip syncing contest, box car derby, Twister, Zumba, egg toss, limbo contest and a dance-athon. There were 18 teams that participated in the 2017 Relay event. 15 of these teams sponsored booths that had games, food, face painting, raffles and many other activities.
Lighting of the Luminary Ceremony began at 9 p.m., which is a memorial for those who lost their battles to cancer being named and their represented candle extinguished once the emcee named them.
Over 250 candles were purchased in honor and in memory of those whose lives were affected by cancer.
“If you have never seen this event, It will move you to tears. It is a beautiful way to remember those who have passed on,” Debbie Harbour, Union County Relay for Life event chair, said.
According to the Relay for Life website, in May 1985, Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society with the nation’s biggest health concern: cancer.
Friends, family and patients watched and supported him as he walked and ran more than 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer. As he circled the track, he thought of how he could get others to take part. He envisioned having teams participate in a 24-hour fundraising event. The next year, 19 teams were part of the first Relay at the historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000.
Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in more than 5,200 communities and 27 countries. Volunteers give their time and effort because they believe it’s time to take action against cancer.
For more information on how to participate in next year’s event, email Event Chair Debbie Harbour at debbie_harbour@yahoo.com.