Relay For Life Raises Money For Cancer Annual Event Helps Bring People Together For ‘A Lot Of Healing’
Five young friends reclined in lawn chairs, sucking on Popsicles and soaking in a warm Saturday afternoon sun.
They watched as about three dozen walkers and runners representing their teams in the Relay For Life circled the Spokane Falls Community College track.
Somewhere on the track was one of their 11 weary, Road Runners teammates.
The 24-hour relay was in its 22nd hour.
It’s like a giant sleepover, “but there’s no sleep,” said Pat Haffey, a Sacajawea Middle School seventh-grader sitting in front of four tents comprising the team’s makeshift camp.
The annual Relay For Life, organized by the American Cancer Society, is a nationwide event which raises more than $2 million each year to fight cancer.
Organizers of Spokane’s effort expected local donations to exceed their $72,000 goal. About 600 participants represented 33 teams.
The Road Runners entered two teams - ranging in age from third to seventh grade - and raised $5,200. That was good enough to put both among the top money raisers.
The older team, made up of sixth and seventh-graders - who became friends when they attended Wilson Elementary - accounted for $2,700. This was the second year they participated.
Between shifts on the track, participants played games and took naps.
The event featured a “Wall of Memories” full of inspirational messages aimed at cancer survivors and those who lost their fight.
White paper bags purchased for cancer victims spelled out the word “Hope” in the stadium bleachers.
“There is some tremendous bonding out there,” said Marcy Headley, who co-chaired the organizing committee. “A lot of healing goes on.”
Teams, ranging in size from six members to more than 20, set up camp throughout the day Friday, and prepared for the night. The relay started about 6 p.m. Friday
Hospitals, fitness centers, department stores and hotels all entered teams. Participants said the charity is popular because it is one to which everyone can relate.
, DataTimes