Keeping up the fight: Despite weather, Relay for Life is deemed a success by organizers
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on May 22, 2016 1:45 AM
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News-Argus/ALAN CAMPBELL
Darrah-Helena Lobo-Caves lights a line of luminarias Friday during the Relay for Life of Wayne County at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
Despite intermittent rain showers throughout Friday night, organizers of Relay for Life of Wayne County called this year's event a success.
"We said rain or shine we were going to Relay -- cancer doesn't stop because it rains and we didn't stop because it rained," said Brenda Robinson, community manager for the American Cancer Society event. "We just persevered and we thank God for what He gave us."
For the bulk of the day Friday, gray skies and chilly winds loomed but it wasn't until the second half of the survivors walk, when caregivers joined the survivors on the track at the Wayne County fairgrounds, that it began to drizzle.
"We didn't have as many teams there because of the weather, but we went past the survivors walk," Mrs. Robinson said.
Even that was an answer to prayer, Mrs. Robinson said -- pulling for the rains to hold off for the survivors to have their moment, since many still experience tiredness and after effects of treatment.
The weather definitely affected the outcome of this year's fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and research efforts.
Crowd numbers and participants were down, with only a smattering of booths set up and the downpour later in the evening sending attendees home early.
Mrs. Robinson estimated the attendance at between 2,500 and 3,000.
"The weather was a letdown because we didn't make it to the luminary ceremony (at 9 p.m.) because it got wet," she said. "People were trying to get out of the weather and left a little earlier than we would have liked but it was good.
"We had a good strong crowd and we did what we were supposed to do. We got a lot of support and we were really happy about that."
Instead of the traditional overnight campers staying through Saturday morning, she said many returned early the following morning to break up camp.
"Most came around 7:30 because the rain started setting in so we just opened up the gates and let everyone in," she said.
"I think that if the rain had not happened we would have seen a really good night but we're pleased with what we did."
She did not have preliminary figures on money raised, but said she expects to know within the week when a leadership meeting is held. Deadline for having final figures is Aug. 31, she noted.
Mrs. Robinson expressed her appreciation to the faithful community -- from the survivors and caregivers, to residents who show up year after year to make the event a staple in Wayne County.
"I think it was a very productive night," she said. "Most teams sold out of food."
Success can be measured in many other ways, like the united goal that brought everyone there, said Paula Cox, member of the event's leadership team.
"We're all here for the same reason -- to finish the fight against cancer," she said during the opening ceremony.
Jerimee Hooker and his wife, Amy, a team captain, accompanied by their son, Chase, youth honorary chair, spoke about their affiliation with the event.
"This is our fifth year being part of Relay," Jerimee said. "The past two years it's been a lot more important than we could have imagined."
Their son was diagnosed with leukemia in Dec. 2014. While he is now in remission, he is undergoing "maintenance chemo" for two more years.
Bending down to whisper in his son's ear, Hooker hoisted Chase up to the mic, where the 5-year-old told the crowd, "I hope you have a good day today," drawing applause from the audience.
Jerry Parker, honorary adult chair, said he was diagnosed in 2000 with lymphoma and has been "in and out of remission three times."
"That's all I will say about the past," he said. "It has nothing to do with me today."
Calling cancer a "bully in the neighborhood," he said everyone needs to be part of the fight.
"Fight tough. Never look over your shoulder," he said. "Since 2000 I have never looked back."