Relay for Life hits full stride in race for cure

By GARRET LEIVA
Herald editor
      Rain showers and cool temperatures could not dampen the spirit of teams participating in this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Instead, a record-number of relay teams celebrated survivorship and the fight to find a cure for cancer.

     The Grand Traverse County Civic Center was the site of the 24-hour Relay for Life held from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday. The Relay for Life is a nationwide program that involves relay teams of 10 or more people representing corporations, hospitals, clubs, churches, schools, organizations and families.

     Eighty-four teams participated in this year’s relay; the largest contingency ever from the Grand Traverse area. Another record amount was the preliminary $209,407 raised by Relay for Life walkers.

     Team members —many dressed in raincoats or holding umbrellas — took turns walking around the track, with at least one member on the track at all times during the 24 hour period. Each team member was asked to raise a minimum of $100 to help fight cancer.

     Several activities highlighted this year’s Relay for Life including a Victory Lap for 172 registered cancer survivors and a luminary ceremony Saturday evening. Candle-lighted luminary bags — 3,783 in all — honored cancer survivors and those who had died from the disease. A Wall of Memories was also erected inside Howe Arena and people were invited to write the names of loved ones fighting or who have fought against cancer.



Herald photos by Garret Leiva

Umbrellas and raincoats were the order of the day as participants walk the first lap of the American Cancer Society 24-hour Relay for Life this past weekend at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.


Relay for Life team TC Friends is true to its motto: “Under Construction for a Cure.”


Above: Allison Walter, a member of R&B team and a student at Traverse City East Junior High School prepares for the rainy weekend weather.

Below: Mary Burrows of Alden leaves a message on the Wall of Memories located inside Howe Arena. Relay for Life walkers were asked to write the names of loved ones fighting or who have fought the battle against cancer.





Kate Melvin, 4, and her brother Jake, 2, try their luck at “Porch the Paper” game sponsored by the Record-Eagle. The 50 cent charge per three throws to land the newspaper on the porch went to the American Cancer Society.