I wrote on Jan 31 about Relay for Life, a worldwide fundraiser for breast cancer research. Well, last Friday evening, over 1200 people gathered on Franklin Field for the 12-hour event, and I wanted to share some thoughts with you.

Relay was a test of endurance, but as the night wore on, tired faces faithfully withstood the challenge. The fluorescent green turf became a virtual encampment of tents, flashlights and coolers. Sorority sisters relived their Girl Scout years, huddling together in rows of sleeping bags and making that occasional trek to the stadium latrine. Instead of owls and bears, the 5 a.m. silence was disrupted only by the tunes of MarioKart in the southwest corner of the field.

As the sun rose and the last few hours of the relay were underway, students continued to prove that they were worthy of their donations and committed to the fight for a cure for cancer. The track was constantly populated, no matter how cold or how tired the walkers became.

This year’s Relay for Life emded 8 a.m., when all team members gathered in the center of the field for a closing ceremony. Everyone’s efforts were certainly rewarded as the organizers unveiled the total sum raised — approximately $135,000.

Congratulations the leaders who planned the event as well as all those who participated. No one can escape the threat of cancer, and we are now one small step closer to curbing that threat. Next year, hopefully we can double the number of participants and help save even more lives.

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