Survivors fight back at Relay for Life in Georgetown
At Sandhill Fields in Georgetown, cancer survivors and their caregivers walked a lap around a circle of hope Sept. 11 to honor survivors, remember loved ones and fight back. Walkers participated to help spread awareness about cancer treatment, research and prevention. Each lap had its own theme – purple tutus, crazy socks and a lap to honor veterans and first responders. The evening also featured food, music, fun games and a raffle.
The event raised funds for the American Cancer Society, but the fundraising is year-round work, said Kathy Blanchette, Relay for Life Sussex chair: “We’ve worked hard for the last two years. This year, we are pretty close to fundraising around $50,000.”
Funds were raised by various teams, including the Laurel Elementary School team, which reached $16,000 this year. Children of Relay for Life members also helped with the event, using bake sales, social media and yard sales to help raise money. Colton O’Neal, age 11, helped raise $300 through Facebook fundraising.
Kati Harstein, a Laurel Elementary School team member and cancer survivor, was happy to attend the event with her children. “It feels good to be alive with my family to celebrate everything we have all been through, and help all the people that were in my position and will be in my position someday,” she said.
Attendees were able to purchase a luminaria, a paper bag with a candle inside, that could be decorated in honor of a loved one, a survivor or someone currently battling cancer. At the end of the evening, the luminarias were lit up, illuminating the circle of hope and closing out the event.
