Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
February 22, 2007 issue
Relay for Life 2007 Kicks Off in Watauga County
Story by Allison Peacock
On Monday, February 19, Watauga County had its local kickoff for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the world’s single largest community fundraising event. Held at Deerfield United Methodist Church, the kickoff celebration was designed to bring home Relay for Life’s emphasis this year: “Why You’re Here.”
In Watauga County, 92 teams are ready for 2007. Team captains and others involved with Relay gathered Monday night to hear and relate emotionally charged stories about their desire to be a part of the annual fundraising effort.
The evening started with a welcome by Glenda Hodges, Relay co-chair. Hodges spoke about the significance of the money raised in the community for the community. “This is your relay, your mother’s relay, your uncle’s relay, your sister’s relay, your sons’ and daughters’ relay, your grandchild’s relay. This relay is for those no longer with us, for those being treated and for those who are undiagnosed.”
Co-chair Sharon Trivette also spoke about the effects of the Relay for Life. “Things we are doing are helping and paying off and we can’t stop now,” she said. Recently, the American Cancer Society announced that cancer deaths declined in the United States for the second year in a row—a milestone event that indicates dramatic progress is being made against the disease. The efforts of the Watauga County Relay for Life impact this progress.
Suzanne Wright delivered a powerful story about a Caldwell county man who faced cancer more than once.
As a child, he was twice diagnosed with leukemia. Through tests and treatments funded by American Cancer Society, he was able to overcome the disease twice by age 11. While in high school, he again discovered he had cancer, and again money from the American Cancer Society helped him fight the disease. Wright concluded the story by commenting, “Now he’s 24, a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and he works with children who have cancer because he’s been there. You made this possible.”
Watauga County has high hopes for this year, as the county was the number one Relay for Life fundraising community for its population group in the nation for five years, and was number two in both 2000 and 2006. In addition, Watauga County was awarded the Power of Hope Award in its population group for highest participation by cancer survivors. Last year, almost $300,000 was raised through the community effort in Watauga County.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Americans under 85. One in three people in this country will hear the words, “You have cancer,” in their lifetime. Relay for Life helps fund research that will help millions in their fight against cancer.
The Watauga County Relay for Life will be held June 15 to 16, at Watauga High School. Dozens of fundraising events coordinated by the Relay teams will lead up to the Relay weekend in June. For more information, contact Glenda Hodges at 828-264-8529.