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Relay for Life raises $35,000 to battle cancer
The fifth annual Relay For Life brought a variety of volunteers and well-wishers to Eastside Park on Friday night. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, has been working toward a fundraising goal of $50,001.
As of Saturday morning, the Relay for Life has raised $35,000, more than double the $14,000 the event raised a year ago.
The funds raised will go toward cancer research, patient services (Reach to Recovery, Look Good, Feel Good and Hope Lodge) and education.
In total, 30 teams of approximately 400 volunteers took part in the event. The teams represented squadrons from Mountain Home Air Force Base and from local businesses.
Throughout Eastside Park were tents for volunteers willing to stay the course and camp out for the entire overnight event. Local businesses designed tents with different cancer supporting themes, such as Century 21's boxing ring entitled "Fight Cancer."
Volunteers also sold various goodies and items such as hot dogs, cookies, bracelets, popcorn, glow sticks, necklaces and coupon books from Domino's Pizza.
The children enjoyed face painting provided by the LDS 5th Ward Young Women (whose relay team was decked out in purple leis) and a "bouncy house" provided by the Mad Medics.
The volunteers were entertained by music from Phillip Garcia (aka Waslyk). Garcia played everything from current hits and songs that fit the theme of the event, such as "Alive" by POD, "Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys and "100 Years" by Five For Fighting.
Each attendee of the event was asked to sign a banner that read: "I relay because.... Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back."
The event began with the Survivors' Reception, a meet-and-greet with cancer survivors and caregivers enjoying a hearty meal of ham, turkey, potatoes, green beans and cake for dessert.
During the reception, the survivors spoke on how pleased they were to be part of the relay.
"I think this is the best thing going, as far as I am concerned. It is very well put together and I enjoy being among all of the survivors," said Tom Rodney, survivor of stomach cancer.
"I think it's great, I've never been to a relay before," said Verna Grigg, survivor of breast cancer.
"I think it's great, the best event that there is. Seeing all the volunteers out here is truly spectacular," said Joe Twitchell, survivor of jaw cancer.
The opening ceremonies featured local Boy Scouts presenting the Stars and Stripes and leading the volunteers, survivors and guests in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following the flag presentation, emcee Clay Davis read to the audience the official proclamation from Mayor Tom Rist declaring May 27--July 4, Relay For Life Week in the city of Mountain Home.
Relay For Life Committee co-chairman Michelle Morano presented the sponsors in attendance, such as Any Time Fitness and the UPS store, with special signs that read, "This is a Relay For Life business."
A regular tradition, the reading of the Survivor's Address was done by Relay For Life Team Development Chairman Calvin J. Miller, who recited a letter written by John Fiedler, a resident of Idaho City.
"Perhaps the reason I'm still alive, and cancer free for six years, is to tell you that the American Cancer Society helped me -- and is helping millions of others. I never defined myself as a cancer survivor. However, that is now part of who I am," said Miller, reading Fiedler's letter.
Morano took time to recognize the committee members, especially Jess Gillingham of the American Cancer Society.
"She has been an amazing person to work with and we love her dearly," said Morano.
Following the Survivor's Address, Davis asked the 90 survivors in attendance to line up in front of a floral archway, where they were each awarded with a carnation, a purple balloon and a cancer survivor's medal by Lt. Col. Lawrence Hicks of the 366th Fighter Wing.
"It's just an honor to be a part of this event, the volunteers who put this event on should be commended," said Hicks.
Adrion Bell of Bell Photique took pictures of each of the survivors, as well as team photos and pictures throughout the night.
The balloons would signify the number of years since each survivor was diagnosed with their cancer ailment. For every year called by Davis, the survivors released their balloons into the air.
The carnation would be given to the survivors' caregivers during the Survivor/Caregivers lap.
As the survivors began the lap, they were greeted with supportive applause from the volunteers. The caregivers walked the opposite direction as the survivors, at the midway point, gave the caregivers their carnations in a touching show of gratitude.
Following the Survivors Lap, the survivors left their hand prints to be woven into a quilt that will be put up for auction at next year's event.
Davis called each of the 30 teams to begin the relay. A rule of the relay was that one member from each team must run a lap at a time.
While the volunteers were waiting, the event organized three one-hour activity periods, including a Sports, Beat Cancer and a Workout period where staff from Mountain Home Air Force Base guided the volunteers through a series of aerobics.
Following the Beat Cancer Hour, Davis and Morano began the Luminaria ceremony, where the committee and volunteers honored the 200 names of cancer victims represented by candlelit luminaria that decorated the entire track.
Morano began by telling heartfelt stories of her mother who passed away due to breast cancer five years ago and how the American Cancer Society helped to look after her mother in her final days. "I feel that this is my opportunity to pay it forward," said Morano.
Davis asked the volunteers to walk a lap in silence to honor the memories of the lives that have been lost due to cancer.
Once the volunteers finished, Amanda Russell sang a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace."
Following Russell, Davis and Morano read off the Luminaria list as Phil Collins' "You'll Be In My Heart" played in the background.
After each page of Luminaria names was read, Davis would read a poem suitable to the festivities, such as "A Poem of Hope" written by a young girl in Belarus, Russia, near the site of Chernobyl nuclear disaster area.
A notable passage in the poem read: "One voice can speak with wisdom, one heart can know what's true. One life can make the difference. You see. It's up to YOU!"
"The reality of cancer's impact (was) brought to the forefront with the reading of the names of survivors, those we have lost to the disease," said Morano on the importance of the Luminaria.
Once the Luminaria ceremony concluded, the volunteers continued to walk their laps. The volunteers were treated to a Musical hour, a "Wake Me Up" hour, a Karaoke/American Idol hour, a T-shirt signing contest and a 5 a.m. breakfast.
After breakfast, the event concluded with the "Clinking For Cancer" and Kids hour, the Fight Back Ceremony and a raffle with the top prize the quilt representing last year's survivors.
The top prize was won by Linda Neuer. Other winners included Mary Morin, who won the first prize, a Korey Hall Display (an autographed BSU football and BSU bobble head doll), and Marie Straw, who won the second prize, a gourmet gift basket.
"We want to thank all of our amazing sponsors. We couldn't do this without you! And to our volunteers, committee members, participants, survivors, thank you for all you have done to make this a truly successful event," said Morano.
Persons can still donate to Relay For Life. Donations can be made online at www.events.cancer.org\rflelmoreid, at any Pioneer Federal Credit Union branch, or by sending in a check directly to the American Cancer Society, 2676 Vista Avenue, Boise, ID 83705.