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Perfect day for a Relay ...
By CAROL STARK
Ephrata Review
Published: Jun 26, 2008 1:29 PM EST
DENVER - George Walter is a survivor. Having experienced colon cancer, this was his
third year of conquering the disease, and he celebrated with hundreds of
others at the Relay for Life event at Cocalico High School this past
weekend.
"I think our Ephrata Cancer Center is wonderful," he
said.
The event brought in $342,100 to help find a cure for cancer.
Relay For Life raised $23.2 million in Pennsylvania alone for cancer
research, education, advocacy and patient services with 4,770 communities,
including an estimated 380 colleges and universities across the United
States hosting events.
Akron Mayor John McBeth attended the event as
well and felt a sense of hope to see so many people gather for a common
cause.
"What an uplifting event. This has got to be a great lift to
people who are struggling with cancer. To see so many people routing for
them has got to lift their spirits," McBeth said.
Businesses such as
Joni's Jerks brought $8,000 to the event. They were there for a second
time, honoring a young girl, Joni and keeping her memory alive.
"We
are here to honor her for her tremendous fight against the disease that
took her life," said a spokesperson for the group. "We do fund-raisers such
as chicken barbecues and we had a good Vera Bradley sale."
Team GenX
brought $2,000 to the event.
Bob Lewis is a second time survivor of
cancer. Several in his family has had cancer. "There has got to be a cure.
This is why this event is so important," he said.
Dressed with
bright orange shirts, a group that ranged in age from little children to
older adults was the team from Brecknock Elementary. Lisa Horning of
Brecknock Elementary believes this event is a good learning experience for
her students.
"This showed the children to get involved and make a
difference," said Horning. "In recent years, Brecknock Elementary has had
students, parents, teachers and their families supporting individuals that
are going through cancer experiences. Because so many students 'hear' the
word cancer and 'see' individuals going through the experience, we wanted
to show our support of what the American Cancer Society does for all
individuals and families that are diagnosed with cancer, thus the Brecknock
team in bright orange shirts."
They held a basket auction at the
Isaac's fund-raiser and earned money with the teachers dress down day. They
brought more than $7,500 to the event.
"Everyone can do something to
help fight cancer," said Sandy Davidson, chairperson of the survivors walk.
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