DeKalb Countians by the hundreds filled Greenbrook Park Friday evening to show their love and support for cancer survivors and to join the fight against the disease during the 12th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Casey Midgett, Chairman of the DeKalb Relay for Life, says $67,000 has been raised with still more pledges yet to come in.
Even though the forecast called for stormy weather, the rains held off and people, young and old alike, flocked to the park to enjoy the food, games, music, and fellowship.
Check out Photos at Relay for Life at http://www.wjle.com/relay
In this overnight family-oriented event, participants walked relay-style around the track and took part in fun activities off the track. Cancer survivors took center stage during the opening ceremony to give a personal testimony as to just how long they’ve been a survivor.
This year more than 30 teams joined together to raise money to aid in the battle against cancer. A male beauty contest was also held again this year, featuring several men dressed as women, using their attributes to bring in as much money as possible. Mark “Fifi” Violet of K & M Jewelry raised more than $600 and was this year’s winner.
The walking track was also lined with luminaria in honor or remembrance of those who have battled cancer. This ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and courage with which we all continue to fight cancer
Chris Summers, Community Representative with the American Cancer Society says “Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease. Many of the participants are cancer survivors.”
Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
The American Cancer Society currently funds more than $10.7 million in cancer research in Tennessee, this year alone! Research grants are funded at East Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, MeHarry Medical College, the University of Tennessee, Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.