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2007 Pulaski County
Relay for Life

Remebering, Honoring ...
Embarking on a Mission

Story & Photos
By Karen Fritz

PERHAPS THE NOVELTY has worn off for some for the local Relay for Life, as the numbers of participants and funds raised are down from previous years.

But for those who have ever experienced the dreaded diagnosis of cancer themselves - or worse, the diagnosis in a loved one - the mission to battle this disease continues ever strong.

The luminarias make a solemn, yet beautiful sight along the walking trail.

The local Relay for Life remains an impressive event by any measurement. The 10th annual Pulaski County Relay last Saturday raised a total of $52,642 and more funds are still coming in. The cut-off date for money raised for the 2007 Relay is Aug. 31.

Hundreds of community members attended the Relay to remember cancer victims, to celebrate the victories of cancer survivors, and to raise funds to fight this disease that affects everyone, either personally or through loved ones.

Donations and participation in the past three years of the Relay have been down since the peak 2004 year, when $88,484 was raised. Last year’s Relay had 23 teams and raised $58,807. The 2005 Relay had 40 teams and raised $64,717. This year’s Relay also had 23 teams.

Queen Jasmine (Jason Hague, second from left) with her Miss Relay Court, including Scott Allen, Makenzie Foster, Brandon Jolly, Dan Murphy, Josh Josh Wielochowski, Matt Garbison and Don Reid. The new event raised over $720 and many more laughs.

As always, the support and hard work of dozens of volunteers who worked weeks and months before, and then during the Relay was remarkable. The Relay itself is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event and consists of a 12- or 24-hour period in which several teams collect donations to sponsor their participation.

Suzanne Hollis and Sarah Miller perform during the butterfly release.

In the early evening, a Memorial Butterfly Release was conducted by Pulaski Memorial Hospice. Chaplain David Childs provided some inspirational words; then Suzanne Hollis and Sarah Miller sang while hundreds of Monarch butterflies were released into the sky.

A live auction followed which raised over $5,500 for the Relay.

“Some plates of cookies (baked by Ashley DeSabatine) sold for over $300,” Relay chairperson Chris Smith reported. “The buyers displayed the true spirit of a benefit auction.”

At 9 p.m. the walking and talking came to a halt as team members stepped aside to observe the Survivors Walk. Those who have survived the disease walked together, candles in hand, inspiring a surge of hope in all who observed.

A Monarch, from the Memorial Butterfly Release, alights on a music stand.

A new event this year - an idea which has enjoyed success in another county - was the lighthearted “Miss Relay” contest, featuring men, most of whom were dressed as women. After being introduced, the contestants were given 15 minutes to collect donations from the laughing audience. The winner, Jasmine (Jason Hague), collected over $200. The contest netted over $720 for the Relay.

“The participants were great sports,” Mrs. Smith says.

Helping Mrs. Smith with the Relay are co-chairpersons Jean Scheidenhelm and Becky Dilts. They are assisted by 10 committee members.

A longtime cancer survivor herself, Smith marvels at the improved treatments which have resulted from American Cancer Society research.

Many more cancer victories are being won today, but the battle with cancer is not over. Next year the Relay For Life warriors will return, as determined as ever.