Walking for life

"Hundreds of walkers led by Boy Scout troop 57 start the 24-hour 2000 South Whidbey Relay for Life. At least as many will walk in the fight against cancer this year. They're taking to the track again. The walkers and runners, the baby carriers and stroller pushers will converge on South Whidbey High School's Waterman Field Friday and Saturday to show their commitment to ending cancer by taking part in the Relay for Life. They'll be backed by the support of their sponsors and the encouragement of fighting a battle together.They will also be encouraged by a 24-hour DJ, live performances by Island musicians, food, refreshments, and numerous activities to enhance the spirit of generosity and camaraderie that is the hallmark of this celebrated fund-raiser. The 24-hour relay begins on the track at 3 p.m. Friday, June 22. Then the more than 25 teams from businesses, schools, organizations and the Island community will traverse the track until 3 p.m. Saturday. Opening ceremony speakers at 6:30 p.m. will include Pastor Bob Welch of the CM&A church in Langley and special guest Karen Furman, who is battling cancer now. A victory lap of cancer survivors, friends and family will follow, led by Boy Scouts. Young people will be in a special tent creating luminaria, the decorated bags holding a candle in memory of loved ones and friends who have faced cancer. The little lights will be lit around the track at 10 p.m., when a ceremony will include a moment of silence.Not all will be silent during the evening and next day, however. There will be music throughout the day and night: DJs will play favorite tunes all during the 24-hour event, and some of the Island's favorite musical groups -- including Bahia, Pickled Herring and Tender Harvest -- will perform live. Even the Falcon Fighters high school team will sing, and Scottish Highland dancers will entertain.Numerous activities will keep the energy flowing, from karaoke to bagpipes, with a midnight Mardi Gras dance granting walkers a second wind, and a wakeup call at 9 Sunday morning featuring kickboxing and dance aerobics. Food will be plentiful. South Whidbey Kiwanis will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers for dinner, and Harry's Gay 90s will bring pizza for Saturday lunch. Other refreshments will be for sale by various teams through the relay, including shrimp Creole and corn bread from Josie and the (Freeland) Cafe Cats.New this year will be a Parade of Champions at 11:30 p.m. Friday, when floats decorated in the spirit of Mardi Gras will circle the track. Among them will be a Piggy Bank, the Relay Royalty and a wagon decorated as a luminary bag in memory of Soroptimist Linda Lee Martens, who only recently died of cancer.Locks of Love will return again this year, after a successful debut at last year's relay. Hair stylists will trim the tresses of donors who will give their long hair to help children with cancer.Relay for Life co-chairs Kay Stanley and Kathy McLaughlin said last year's relay raised over $52,000. For more information on the Relay for Life contact Stanley at 331-6141 or McLaughlin at 222-3248. To arrange for a luminary dedication, call Issy Olivia at 221-3230. "

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.