2009 08 13

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Sopris Sun THE

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 27 • AUGUST 13, 2009

Survivors walk around the track at Carbondale Middle School during the ceremonial opening laps of the Relay for Life. They are holding a kite string with knots representing those who have made it through a battle with cancer. Photo by Julie Albrecht

Victory Laps t’s 2:30 in the morning Aug. 8 and a waning full moon coupled with the lights at Carbondale’s high school running track illuminate the dark sky. Hundreds of paper bag luminarias light up the track, guiding the way for valley locals walking laps in honor of loved ones who have battled cancer. The Roaring Fork Valley Relay For Life took place Aug. 7-8 at Carbondale Middle School, and for its fifth year, walkers had raised approximately $128,000, with some donations yet to be turned in. The event is one of many held across the country to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. “We did so well for this economy. The valley residents and businesses did a great job,”said Redstone resident Betty Bradley, who served on the event organizing committee. Although major sponsors were down this year, Bradley said the event’s loyal sponsors still made the event a success, as well the new sponsors that came on board. “It was just a miracle that last month, people started

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By Trina Ortega

giving,” she added. Within the last month, donations rose sharply and the event started to take shape to live up to its reputation as a “pace-setting” fundraiser in the region. Plus, new teams and walkers came on board, and “their enthusiasm is over the top,” Bradley said. Additionally, it’s good to spread awareness among new participants, she said. Money raised goes toward cancer research and support programs. In the valley, the new Look Good Feel Better program was launched through the American Cancer Society. The ACS plans to open a new volunteer-run cancer resource center at Valley View Hospital within the month. The center offers support to cancer patients and their families through high-quality, timely, and understandable information to newly diagnosed cancer patients and their caregivers. “It’s a direct result of our relay being so successful,” Bradley said.

About 350 participants were involved in last weekend’s Relay For Life. As part of the event, volunteers also organized kick-off festivities with mayors from Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and Aspen; a catered reception for survivors; and a luminaria ceremony with guest speakers from the community. During the event, which began Friday evening, teams of eight to 15 people took laps around the track relaystyle through the night, representing the fact that cancer never sleeps. While they’re walking through the night, participants can take part in activities such as the popular cardboard limousine race, the hula hoop race, and scavenger hunt; or simply reflect on the hundreds of friends, neighbors and family members for whom they walk. And those like Bradley walk for future generations. “I always say I really, honestly do it for my grandkids. I would love to see a world free of cancer for them,” she said.“I’m not a researcher I can’t find the cure. So I’m helping raise the money for those researchers to find a cure.” The new cancer center is accepting volunteers. For more information, email Judy.morehouse@cancer.org or call 970-254-5582.


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2009 08 13 by The Sopris Sun - Issuu