Long County held its ninth annual Relay for Life on Friday night and early Saturday morning. According to Coordinator Deborah Wells, it once again was a night to remember.
“I think it was very successful, and everyone had a great time. One of the things I love about Relay is getting to see the survivors and honoring them,” Wells said.
To start things off, Wells and co-coordinator James Wasdin welcomed attendees before cancer survivor Brenda Smith addressed the crowd. Like many of the families standing on Veterans Field, she said, her family had been plagued by cancer. Smith said that she lost an aunt and her father to the disease, which she also battled. Smith’s cancer has been in remission for 29 years, but she reminded the participants that many others still are fighting for their lives.
“So tonight, I want all of us to dig deep in our pockets and help find a cure for cancer,” she said.
Smith and all the other cancer survivors lined up for the first survivors’ lap. The second time around, those who’ve cared for loved ones with cancer joined in. Finally, the other participants began to circle the track.
Long’s Relay included traditional activities, such as face painting, a cake walk, the “Kid Zone,” a thunder lap and more. Christian-rock group Canopy Red and reality-television contestant Lea “Sarge” Masters also joined in the fun this year. Canopy Red performed throughout the night, and Masters signed autographs and discussed his adventures on CBS’ “Survivor.”
Wells said that through Saturday, Long County had raised approximately $25,000. Even though the Relay is over, people can donate and turn in funds they raise until August. Wells added that she is thankful to everyone who helped with the night, especially presenting partner A New Beginning Church.
“A big thank you to the committee for their hard work, the teams that participated, the sponsors and to our presenting partner, A New Beginning Church,” Wells said.