Relay for Life raises $19,000 for cancer research, patient support
Rob Zolman
Elijah Bell takes aim in one of the many carnival style games.
Rob Zolman
The Bishop team of clowns walks together during the event.
Rob Zolman
Friends Bessie Argo and Betty Sieges share some smiles during the survivor lap.
Rob Zolman
Lanterns decorate the relay course.
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
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PABLO – Last Friday evening, cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers and community members all walked together to show their support and raise money for the American Cancer Society during Lake County’s annual Relay for Life.
This year’s theme was “Carnival for a Cure” and the event was hosted at the Joe Mc Donald Fitness Center on the Salish Kootenai College campus.
“The event was successful,” relay chairman Caitlyn Rose said. “Not as many people showed up as I thought but there were several events going on in Lake County.”
Grateful for the people who came out to help support the battle against cancer, Rose noted the event raised more than $19,000.
Betty Sieges, participating in this year’s relay as a three-year survivor and a member of the St. Luke Community Healthcare team, stressed the importance of the Relay for Life and the difference it makes. Funds raised during relays she said support those fighting cancer by helping with medical expenses, purchasing gas or providing transportation to treatments.
According to American Cancer Society representative Bree Dunham, funds generated by Relay for Life not only benefit the American Cancer Society’s groundbreaking research, they also support cancer patients by guiding them through the financial and insurance issues of battling cancer, providing a 1-800 line that is staffed 24/7 for patients needing information and support, securing over-night lodging, transportation to appointments, and numerous other resources all at no cost to the patients and residents of Lake County.
The relay kicked off with the survivors’ reception and dinner.
Afterward survivors made the first laps around the track together. Survivors where then joined by more than a dozen teams from around Lake County for the final remaining laps around the gymnasium.
All participants then shared the emotional luminaria ceremony in memory or in honor of a loved one who had been afflicted with cancer.
The remainder of the evening was full of activities for the kids which included a glow in the dark ring toss, fishing derby, bean bag toss, poster-coloring, paper airplane toss and much more.
While this year’s Relay for Life event is over, donations are still being accepted through the end of August. To donate or for more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/lakecountymt.
