by Mandy Catoe
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Nearly 800 people attended Lancaster’s 22nd-annual Relay for Life
event Friday night at Lancaster Memorial Stadium. They raised $35,000,
pushing this year’s total to $126,000. Event Chair Kellie Mosely said she is confident they will meet their $165,000 goal.
“We had a really good turnout,” she said.
The three top fundraising teams at press time were Relay Rally Cats at $16,000, Team Dustin Carnes at $15,241 and A.R. Rucker at $13,000.
The night was framed between the survivor’s lap and the luminary ceremony. Nearly 200 survivors walked the first lap victoriously in silence.
Three hours later, the somber memorial observance featured survivors and loved ones walking a lap illuminated only by the luminaries. A bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace” led the way.
Cancer survivor Rick Joyner stood in silence with his arm on his father’s shoulder as they gazed down at a luminary honoring his mom, Sue, who died Jan. 27, 2016, from melanoma.
“I lost my mom last year, and we are out here spending some time together,” Joyner said. “We have been coming since Mama’s battle began in 2005.”
Sue Joyner’s granddaughter Erin Byrd wore a photo button of her grandmother on her shirt. She stood nodding and smiling as the family shared memories of Joyner’s life.
Longtime Relay for Life volunteer Debbie Crenshaw walked the survivor lap with her mom, Ruth Williams, a four-year survivor. Crenshaw’s brother Ted held their mother’s hand.
“I’ve been doing this for 22 years, and I can’t explain the feeling of being here with Mom,” Crenshaw said. “It’s too emotional.”
Evelyn Brand, a 23-year cancer survivor, walked between a friend and a funeral director.
“My husband passed away March 11, and this is the undertaker, Mike,” Brand said. “He told me he would walk with me the first lap.”
Michael Burgess of Burgess Funeral Home did not let go of Brand as they slowly made their way around the track.
“This is extremely heartwarming,” Burgess said. “To see that people have the courage to fight this dreaded disease and to come out and see all the community support.”
Two of the biggest smiles of the night belonged to Pat and Ronnie Hinson, married for 51 years. They walked the whole way arm-in-arm. Ronnie has survived two bouts of cancer in 24 years and gives God all the credit.
“It means everything to see all these
people out here supporting people like me,” he said. “And to see all the
caregivers who have taken care of us.”“You have got to have faith and put all your trust in God, because that is who will get you through it,” he said.
He then turned to Pat and said: “My wife did stuff for me that I never thought we would be doing in my lifetime.”Pat pulled her husband closer to her and said, “And glad to do it.”
Solicitor Randy Newman enjoyed the night with his 21-month-old daughter, Brooklyn.
“We just like to support the community,” Newman said. “My grandfather had lung cancer, so we try to support Relay every year.”
The First ARP Church Team Tent proclaimed “Hope Lives Here.” Shannon Mohr and Katie Powell stood in front of baked potatoes and fixings and said the warm day had kept sales down but they were sure nightfall would bring the customers.
Survivors Robert Summers and Sybil Lynn sat hand-in-hand under the survivors tent listening to the band. Summers, 81, said he has been attending Relay for 15 years and lost two wives to the disease.
“This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” Summers said, looking around at the survivors.
Lynn, a 15-year survivor, said this was her first relay and she plans to be back next year.
Judy McIlwain and Rachel Stradford shared memories of their father, David Lee Stradford, who had been a meter reader for Duke Power. He passed away four years ago after a 21-year battle.
“We could not have asked for a better father,” McIlwain said.
The Old McDonald Green team had a farm theme, with a teacher here and a teacher there – all in overalls and straw hats and sitting on bales of hay. They were selling grilled corn on the cob and had a designated corn hole area.
Team members Kim Threatt and Teague Poston said they had already surpassed their goal of $5,000.
The Harrisburg Elementary School team, back for their second Relay, were selling Jersey Mike Subs. They raised $5,000 before the event started, according to special education teacher Krystal Mainous.
Paula Brazell, a Founders insurance services representative, said Founders had raised over $10,000 this year.
“We have to keep fighting,” Brazell said. “Cancer won’t stop until there is a cure.”
The Cancer Action Network of the American Cancer Society promoted political activism at their tent. They hope to make cancer treatment a top national priority.
“We are raising money to bring local screenings for all types of cancer to Springs Memorial Hospital,” said Tiffany Boatwright.
Lexi Fletcher of Heath Springs was back from the College of Charleston helping the Andrew Jackson team.
She looked down at a luminary, and her eyes filled with tears. “I am here in memory of my grandfather, Lanny Stover,” she said.
Her “Papa” passed away Feb. 12, and she said it is “still so hard and too fresh.”
No one spoke directly about recent violence in the city and social media threats, but community fear was palpable following two violent weeks, with two shootings killing two teenagers.
A dozen law enforcement vehicles were parked at the entrance, making their presence known.
“So far it’s been great,” said Lancaster Police Chief Scott Grant. “We wanted people to feel safe, come out and enjoy themselves.”
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature and most successful fundraising effort. It began in 1985 in Washington State and now includes events in more than 5,000 communities worldwide. Since it started, it has raised nearly $5 billion. The money raised goes to research, treatment, prevention and patient and community support groups.
Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.
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