Event exceeds fundraising goal

May 10, 2008 03:20 pm

— Community members rallied to “fight back” against cancer at Friday’s annual Relay for Life at Glasgow High School.
Around 200 cancer survivors were recognized during the opening ceremony. Each wore a yellow T-shirt that had the words “Survivors Fight Back” written on the back.
“It’s certainly a wonderful sight to see all these yellow shirts,” said Steve Newberry of Commonwealth Broadcasting, who emceed the ceremony. “We’ve come a long way with this dreaded disease.”
The 71 teams that participated exceeded the fundraising goal of $180,000 set for this year. All the money goes to the American Cancer Society to help fund research and development in the battle against cancer.
“We’re here tonight to celebrate, to remember and to fight back,” said Jesse Brown, co-chair of the Relay for Life committee.
After all the survivors were recognized, they made their ceremonial first lap around the track.
The various teams then participated in activities, prepared food for their members and took turns keeping pace around the track.
At 10 p.m., the evening took a somber and reflective tone as the stadium lights were shut off and the luminaria ceremony began.
The annual period is a time to pay tribute to those who have won and those who have lost their battle against cancer.
“This is a time to grieve,” said Henry Royse, who emceed the luminaria.
The only light visible came from the candles lit inside the hundreds of luminaries lined along the fence around the track.
“They represent people and each has a story to tell,” Royse said.

Photos

Debra Crews ties balloons that represent hope and promise of being here next year, she said. Her husband is a cancer survivor. Glasgow Daily Times

Above, cancer survivor Judy Johnson, left, was unable to walk the track at Glasgow High School during the annual Relay for Life on Friday, but did get a helping hand from friends. Glasgow Daily Times

Wade Stone and his daughter Samantha, 5, walk holding hands as they look at the candle-lit bags with peoples’ names on them. “We try and make it out every year. My mom passed in 1998 of Pancreatic cancer,” he said. Glasgow Daily Times