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MORNING STAR • ApRIl 16 - 22, 2009
Western Sussex Relay for Life goal is $145,000 By Carol Kinsley
Just as a personal fight with cancer is long and often grueling, the American Cancer Society’s signature fund-raising activity, Relay for Life, isn’t just a quick walk in the park, but at least it’s enjoyable. Held in many different communities across the nation, Relays for Life are an overnight event, some lasting 24 hours, with team members taking turns walking a half-hour or hour at a time. This year they will be at the Nanticoke Hospital Mears Health campus across from the post office in Seaford May 15 through 16, from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. There will be a reception for cancer survivors at 4 p.m. Relay for Life is a moving celebration of cancer survivorship. First around the track are cancer survivors, taking a victory lap. A candlelight ceremony is held later in the evening to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have been lost to the disease. The idea began in 1985 with Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., colorectal surgeon who decided to show his support for all his patients who had battled cancer and to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed, running marathons. He ran the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound for 24 hours, logging more than 83 miles. Cheered on by patients, family and friends, he raised $27,000 that night. The idea caught on and became a volunteer-driven, community event. In Sussex County, there are two events, east and west, with Georgetown the dividing point; however, lots of people participate in both when they can. East Sussex Relay for Life will be held May 8 through 9 at the American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Dr., Millsboro. For more information, visit www.relayforlife. org/eastsussex. Twenty-eight teams with a total of 245 members have already registered for the West Sussex Relay, including more than 70 cancer survivors, some of them still in treatment. “It’s not too late to register,” suggested Tara Trout, one of last year’s top participants. Teams can register or get more information at www.relayforlife.org/westsussex, or by calling Trout at (302) 5361076. Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $100, or each team, $1,000. This year’s goal is $145,000, an ambitious increase over 2008’s $131,000 proceeds — but it rained last year, Trout explained. In fact, she lamented, it always seems to rain on relay weekend. This year the group is prepared with a “rain location” at Nanticoke Hospital’s Cancer Care Center Parking Garage on Middleford Road. All proceeds go to help people of western Sussex who are battling cancer — for treatment, research, even wigs. Those in need of such assistance can call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. Trout described the event as a big camporee. Teams set up tents at campsites along the trail for those who are staying all night. (Note camp fires are forbidden.)
Some sites are decorated in keeping with the year’s theme, which for 2009 is “Rock ‘N Relay.” The campsites are judged, and one team will win a trophy. A trophy is also given for the most “spirit points” earned by such things as attending pre-relay meetings, and to the
team that brings in the most money. Top teams last year were Team Trinity, Soroptimist of Seaford, Curves for a Cure, Cedar Avenue Circus and the Wolf Gang. Several bands and individuals will be performing throughout the night. Much of the fundraising will continue, with bake
sales, hot dogs, pork sandwiches, jewelry sales, raffles and a silent auction that goes on until 7 a.m. The event is open to the public until 11 p.m. Leading up to the Relay for Life are a number of fun fundraising events. Team Continued to page 55