Relay For Life Success
Despite "Soggy" Conditions

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

With clouds rolling in the west and the threat of thunderstorms, the Relay for Life Campaign never gave up hope, and the event was a tremendous success, despite a little bit of much needed rain in Hopkins County and some "soggy" conditions. The spirit of fighting cancer couldn't be extinguished with a little bit of water. The torch continued to burn!

Carolyn McKinney, Relay for Life Campaign Chairman, welcomed
everyone to Forrest Gregg Field, to kick-off the event, Friday night.



One of the highlights of the opening ceremonies was the recognition of those individual who are
cancer survivors. They've battled the odds and WON!



Luminaries in memory of those who lost the battle with cancer lined the
track and encouraged everyone to continue the search for a cure for the
disease.

 

 

McKinney and others reminded the crowd that cancer affects almost every family in Hopkins County and the surrounding area, in some way. As was evident in the crowd of survivors, many families are affected by the disease in each generation.

Superintendent of SSISD, Patsy Bolton, joined her granddaughter in the Survivors Circle, as
cancer has affected her family in multi-generations.



Braydon Smith smiles proudly from his mother's lap, as he joins his grandfather, Larry Massey, right,
as a cancer survivor.


Polly Swatsell, left, joins her mother, center, and a friend, as survivors of cancer. "We're proud to make
the walk each year, as God has blessed us to be survivors," expressed Swatsell.

Local businesses, church groups, and other organizations "battled" for the best campsite awards, as each decorated their designated area in some theme focused on cancer research and prevention. Some had some rather "novel" ideas, that spelled fun for everyone!

It was under "The Big Top" at the Century-21 First Group campsite, and that gorilla is the
famous "ship builder" from last year's Relay for Life Campaign, aka Tony Abercrombie.



And, these Bowie Elementary School teachers were willing to "go to jail" to find a cure.

And, this rather "strange" group of Hillbillies called themselves the "Tumornators" and took on
the theme of the "Beverly Hillbillies," from yesteryear.



And, Walmart's display featured prize-fighter, John Mooney, of Miller Grove, as he challenged
cancer in the boxing ring.


"The Wizard of Oz" was the theme of this display that hoped for a magical cure.


And, the Hi King Klub site featured a giant box of popcorn.

And they're off................A jubilant group of cancer survivors began the official walks around the track, that would
continue throughout the night, as they celebrated their victory over the disease.



This group of Douglas Elementary Teachers walked in unison around the track.



Cancer survivor Shawn Couch joined family and friends, as he completed his survivor lap.


And, participants in Friday night's event were ecouraged to sign the banner that will be taken
to Washington, D.C., by chairman, Carolyn McKinney.


Representatives of the Star Foundation, presented cancer patient Marcie Kearby with a check to
aid her in her fight with breast cancer.

Masters of Ceremonies, Martin Braddy and M. LaVelle Hendricks continued
to introduce musical entertainment throughout the night.


And, the laps continued around the track.


Local cancer survivor, Daylan Burns, provides musical entertainment from the
stage, as she sings "Amazing Grace."


And, as the night wore on, things began to get a little bit "crazy," as this group of friends would attest.



But, those going around the track, kept going, and going, and going............
in an effort to find a cure!
_______