South Whidbey gets ready to step out to fight cancer in the Relay for Life
Published 3:00 pm Wednesday, June 19, 2002
The mood at the South Whidbey High School track this weekend will be alternately somber and exhilarated, meditative and spirited.
In the 6th annual South Whidbey Relay for Life, walkers, riders and runners — even people in wheelchairs and babies in strollers — will make sure the track is never left empty for a moment as they show their life-affirming commitment to the cause of fighting cancer.
There will be moving speeches, stories of tragedy and of triumph, and above all a spirit of support and the sense of steadfast hope.
This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful,” and cancer survivors will have a special place in the weekend’s activities.
“We want to focus on catering to all of our survivors,” said Petite Hunter of the planning committee and owner of the Freeland Cafe, which has been involved in numerous fund-raisers.
“We feel that this event is all about them, a celebration in honor of everything they have gone through or are still going through to fight this disease.”
Along with the Cancer Survivor’s Victory Lap at opening ceremonies, there will be an “All American old-fashioned potluck” dinner at 7 p.m. served to survivors first with the music of the island Latin band Bahia in the background.
The luminaria ceremony will follow at 9:30 p.m. Candles will be lit surrounding the track, each candle dedicated to someone special.
“It’s a very touching ceremony, one which is hard to describe,” Hunter said. Being a part of it is the best way to see and feel its special meaning and beauty as we continue to support our loved ones still fighting the battle. The luminaria ceremony also helps us to remember all of those that have lost their battle.”
All cancer survivors are invited to be special guests at this year’s Relay. Those who are survivors or know of others are urged to call Kathy McLaughlin, 222-3248, Kay Stanley 221-2144, or Megan Williams, 341-1779. They will all get special T-shirts.
The hours at the track will include the activities that have become Relay for Life traditions:
*The Locks of Love booth, where those with long hair can have it stylishly cut and donate the tresses to an organization creating hairpieces for children with cancer
* A tent to make luminaries in memory of those with cancer
* Music and entertainment, including Island Dance performances, songs from Tender Harvest and the Falcon Fighters High School team; music by Janine and Andy Elf
* Yoga and wake up exercises from Momentum gym.
There are some new activities scheduled too: dancing to the beat of the Groove Brothers DJs; fortune telling sponsored by Whidbey General Hospital, Lucy Burnett playing the bagpipes; Scottish Highland Dance by Laura Barrow; and a dunk tank sponsored by Pink Ink.
There will also be a live auction sponsored by the LDS relay for life team, with all new items including play tickets, dinners, artwork, clothing, plants and more.
Fund-raisers for the relay, have been going on all month, from car washes and garage sales to Krispy Kreme doughnut sales and raffles. There’s still time to buy tickets from the Freeland Cafe team for Mariners tickets and art work. Artist Yvonne Roberts has donated glass mugs with original etchings for a silent auction, and Sees candy bars are still for sale.
