Relay For Life

By Ida Brown / senior staff writer

May 10, 2008 12:35 am

— Change can be good. And that was obvious at Friday's Relay for Life.
Held in a new location for the first time in 14 years, the 12-hour signature fund-raising event for the American Cancer Society drew what organizers believe to be one of the largest turnouts in recent years.
"People were out here this morning at 8 o'clock," said Lynn Irby, community representative for the American Cancer Society and Relay committee member. "It's been great – the people keep piling, everybody seems to be having a good time and the weather's great."
The softball fields at Northeast Recreational Park on Highway 39 North was the site for this year's Relay. Meridian High School's Ray Stadium – where the local event has been held since it's inception – was unavailable due to renovations of the track.
For some, the change of venue was welcomed.
"I think the new location is great, it's easy access for everybody and easier to see the teams that are involved," said Deborah Ewing, whose team from Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church was one of 110 with booths set up throughout the area.
Still, others were undecided about the new location.
"I kinda like it here, but I liked it when everything was together," said Alan Samuelson.
Whether they liked the new location or not, everyone was on one accord about Relay's significance.
"Cancer touches everybody's life; there are no barriers, such as race, sex, color or age," said James Evans, who lost a family member to cancer and a member of the Mississippi Power Company team. "We've got to fight this thing together because everybody has a common interest."
Ewing agreed.
"Relay for Life reminds us how critical and crucial finding a cure for cancer is. There are not many families this disease has not touched, whether personally or someone you know," she said. "Relay helps us to not forget those who have given their lives to this disease and to let them know that we haven't forgotten them."
The Mt. Olive team had raised more than $3,000 to the cause and hoped to secure even additional funds through the sale of hot wings and snacks during the Relay event.
Other Relay teams hoped to do the same with their booth sales. The air was a smorgasbord of aromas – hamburgers and hotdogs, fried fish, funnel cakes, pizza, barbecue and other palate pleasers.
"We sold candy bars and raised $1,300," said Margaret Brown, whose team from the Navy Federal Credit Union, were newcomers to Relay.
"We were looking for a new community event to get involved and decided on Relay; it was a good decision," said Brown, whose mother succumbed to breast cancer.
The event kicked off at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony that included the presentation of flags by the Meridian Mississippi Air National Guard, the "National Anthem" performed by County Court Judge Vel Young and prayer by the Rev. Michael Boles of Evangel Temple. WTOK-TV Anchor John Johnson served as master of ceremonies.
Other highlights of the evening included the traditional Survivor Walk, in which cancer survivors take the first lap as a celebration of their victory; a balloon release; the Parade of Teams, which is followed by the announcement of the best banner; judging for best campsite, team T-shirt and cuisine; and musical entertainment.
One of the most inspirational moments at Relay For Life takes place when the sun goes down, and hundreds of luminaria – paper sacks filled with sand and candles – light the way under the stars to remember those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer, and those who have fought cancer and won. This ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance with which the fight continues.
The evening continued with the premiere event Relay Idol, a Fight Back Ceremony, the announcement of the Relay Idol winner, wacky games, Bingo, a movie and karoake. After a presentation of awards and closing ceremony, the 2008 Relay for Life ended at 6 a.m.

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