More Than 500 Residents Raise Over $100,000 at Wilmington Relay for Life

“When someone gets cancer, they don't get it alone,” explained Kathy Barry in her remarks at the June 20th American Cancer Society Relay For Life in Wilmington. She was representing caregivers who support patients who have this disease. This year's expanded event honored those caregivers as well as cancer survivors.

Over 500 people flooded the grassy area next to Wilmington Middle School as a warm breezes and sunshine set the stage for the evening of fun and remembrance.

Thirty-four teams had members walking laps for the entire overnight event with people taking turns in a Relay format. This effort represents the fact that cancer never sleeps.  Around the lap area, there were on-going fun activities such as the children’s fun zone, a photo booth, music, and dancing.

The Survivor Ceremony was highlighted by the presence of the Laquidara family representing three generations of cancer survivors.  They brought a message of early detection, prevention, and hope.  And of lessons learned, 5-year survivor Kim (Laquidara) Lind summed it with her advice, “Leave the dishes; go to the beach.”

Each team, each “family” has a story.  That night there were 35 T-shirts bearing the phrase Hope 4 A Future.  The team name and their banner is a familiar presence at Relay.  The group has been participating since 2009.  This year, Hope 4 A Future honored the memory of family member and friend Linda Rogers who they lost last September. Brenda VanHorn  captures the team’s spirit and the idea of the event nicely as she comments, “A Relay For Life event gives us the power to fight back.“ 

Thirty four teams have raised $101,000 so far.  The fund raising doesn't end until August.  To make a donation to the fight, visit www.wilmingtonrfl.com.

Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Wilmington Relay for Life.