Relay stays up all night in effort to fight cancer
5/17/2008 12:33 AM   3 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
Research equates hope for millions.
After months of planning, the American Cancer Society's Aiken Relay For Life brought more than a thousand people to the Aiken High School track on Friday night to show their support and to raise money to fund research.
The 12-hour walk started with a few words from dedicated volunteers who helped make the event a reality. Mayor Fred Cavanaugh served as the guest speaker.
"I am proud to see the Aiken community joined together ... research is the hope of the future ... let's resolve to never give up the fight to eradicate cancer in our lifetime," he said.
The walk officially began with 10-year-old Carley McMaster and her family leading the Survivors' lap. Supporters gathered around the track and cheered on the brave men and women who have battled cancer. Next a special lap was held to honor the caregivers who day after day fight alongside their friends, loved ones and patients. Next the nearly 40 teams took to the track and remained a constant presence for 12 hours.
Each team set up booths and continued to raise money for research. Some offered games and entertainment while others served hamburgers and hot dogs; baked goods were plentiful as were gift baskets and raffles. Team members remained constant in their intent to continue to raise money until the last minutes of the Relay.
No matter the theme or the fundraiser, everyone had their reasons for being present. For groups like the Simmons Family Team, the event honors loved ones and helps encourage family members.
"We relay for our grandparents Betty and Bill Simmons who both died of lung cancer," said Michelle Smith, as she pointed to her lapel pin featuring their photograph.
The family first joined Relay For Life in 2006 where they attended with their grandparents. It is important to them to continue their presence at the relay, not only to honor the memory of their grandparents but also to show continued support for their family members fighting cancer daily.
Across the track, the Bridgestone Team led by team captain Misty Allen educated people on the practices of treating cancer in the 1920s helping demonstrate the significant advances research has made. This team comes together each year for a variety of reasons.
"It is a good way to give back to the community. The American Cancer Society does so much and only 3 percent is used for administration the rest is for research," said Allen.
Additionally the team unites to show their support. Malinda Maroney explained, "There are a lot of survivors who are team members, coworkers and our family members. We want to honor them. It is a great thing for all of us."
At 10 p.m. the Aiken High School track became a beacon in the night with the lighting of hundreds of luminaries; they lined the track and spelled out HOPE in the bleachers. The lighting ceremony coincided with Relays all over the Southeast. Each luminary represented the honor or memory of an individual who has battled or is battling cancer.
As the night went on and fatigue began to set in, the party kept going with entertainment to keep walkers encouraged. A few people sneaked away for a cat nap while others relished in the predawn hours, but there was always someone walking the track, keeping hope alive.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com

---

Share this story:

                           

• COPD: Breathe a little easier
• HPV: Every woman's concern
• FoodSchool 101: You really are what you eat
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy : Cutting edge wound healing
• Visit AikenRegional.com

• Wedding announcement form
• Engagement announcement form

• Sudoku
• BlogSpotter
• coming soon! - More stuff just for fun!
• Snopes.com - urban legends laid bare

• Wedding announcement form

• Bookings for July 19 7/18/2008 6:57 PM
  
• Bookings for June 27 through July 3 7/4/2008 9:31 PM
  
• Bookings for June 20-26 6/27/2008 8:54 PM
  

• John Dewey Woodward II 7/24/2008 8:38 PM
  
• Johnny E. Kitchens 7/24/2008 8:33 PM
  
• Clifton Floyd 7/24/2008 8:33 PM
  
• Ruth Evans 7/24/2008 8:33 PM
  
• Glenda Sue 'Susie' Cauley 7/24/2008 8:33 PM
  
• Rev. Wilch H. Caldwell Sr. 7/23/2008 7:45 PM
  
• Johnny E. Kitchens 7/23/2008 7:45 PM
  
• Dorothy M. Fishburne 7/23/2008 7:45 PM
  
• Glenda Sue 'Susie' Cauley 7/23/2008 7:45 PM
  
• Mary Moody Williams 7/22/2008 9:41 PM
  

• Births for July 20  7/19/2008 9:52 PM
• Anslee Marie Heath  7/19/2008 9:52 PM
• Births for July 13  7/12/2008 10:05 PM