A change in date is expected to produce dry and sunny weather
for this year
’s third annual Relay for Life, the 24-hour marathon fundraiser
for cancer research organized in Morgan Hill by a powerhouse of
survivors’ friends and families.
A change in date is expected to produce dry and sunny weather for this year’s third annual Relay for Life, the 24-hour marathon fundraiser for cancer research organized in Morgan Hill by a powerhouse of survivors’ friends and families.
The 2003 Relay brought out 35 teams of walkers, including 135 cancer survivors, to gross $160,000, fewer teams and more money than the year before when they grossed more than $147,000. The goal for 2004 is $150,000 from more than 40 teams – and counting.
Held this year at Oakwood Country School, the event lasts for 24 hours because, said organizers, cancer never sleeps. Each team has at least one person walking the track at all times during the event. Besides fundraising, organizers plan a day of fun, food, music and reflection.
The day begins Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m. and ends Sunday, May 23, at 10 a.m. with team members camping out in tents or under the stars, if the weather cooperates.
Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., with survivor Molly Crowe acting as Master of Ceremonies. Councilman Larry Carr will also speak and cut the ribbon for the first lap. Ceremonies will be followed by the Survivors’ Celebration Lap (survivors may ride if they wish) shortly afterwards (10:20 a.m.), a dove release and a reception.
“Survivors must be willing to accept support from friends, loved ones and others,” said Becky Obbema, Relay’s publicity chair. Obbema said she wants as many survivors as possible to walk and encourages them to call. Survivors do not have to stay for the entire Relay.
Luminarias are “sold” – all 2,000 – as another fundraiser, and will light up at 9 p.m. when survivor Mike Crocker (former Jackson School principal) acts as emcee.
Judy Circuit, whose teams are so large they had to be divided into two, said Thursday that the luminarias are her favorite part of the Relay.
“They are a sight to behold,” Circuit said.
The luminarias – the Mexican-inspired bags filled with sand and a lighted candle that light up and glow in the dark – are decorated by team members, school children and Girl Scouts.
“It’s fun to walk around and look for ones you’ve purchased,” Circuit said.
She walks in the Relay to honor her 5-year-old granddaughter, in remission after a two-and-a-half-year battle with the disease; she is also the mother of Chris Schilling, one of Relay’s on-going leaders. Circuit’s teams earned $20,000 in 2002, about $10,000-$12,000 in 2003 and has hopes for much more in 2004.
Pat Brach led the top earning team in 2003.
“We made $25,000 with six couples,” Brach said.
This year her team numbers are down because two couples will be out of town but the remaining seven team members – including two survivors – are enthusiastic.
Brach encouraged everyone to join the Relay as a personal experience.
“When you see what goes on out there you are just touched,” she said.
Her most vivid memories are of the luminarias and the survivor walk.
“They were very touching,” Brach said. “My husband walked – it makes you feel like you’re doing something right.”
Rob Conlan’s two teams from Fritter, Schulz and Conlan Physical and Occupational Therapy total about 30 walkers for their third outing. In 2003 the teams earned $10,000 – the top business fundraiser. Conlan said he walks for his mother- and father-in-law and several other members of his family who have had cancer.
“My best memory from last year is of the 2,000 glowing luminarias,” Conlan said.
It’s not too late to join an existing team or sign up a new one, to volunteer to help, sponsor or donate to the cause.
Relay for Life, 10 a.m., May 22-23, Oakwood Country School, John Wilson Way off Monterey Road, south of Watsonville Road. Details: www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/morganhill or call Chris Schilling, 782-1463, or Ingrid Wafelbakker, 776-8987.
Carol Holzgrafe covers City Hall for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at cholzgrafe @morganhilltimes.com or phoning (408) 779-4106 Ext. 201.
