Memories, joys and heartaches at the Leon Football Stadium

Jane Cooper has lived in Buffalo since 1986. She was diagnosed with cancer in November and has just finished her chemotherapy treatments. Sherry’s Shots The theme of the evening was lighthearted--Hollywood, with pictures of Elvis scattered around and plastic Oscars gracing each tent. But beneath the surface those who attended knew the purpose of the evening was as serious as life and death.

This year’s Relay for Life was scheduled for May 1 but was postponed due to the Swine Flu scare. There were 27 teams from across the county who participated and each team had a maximum of 15 members. Probably because of the delay, attendance was less than last year but the faithful who came out were blessed in many ways.

Folks who made the effort did so to honor individuals who are currently battling cancer as well as those who are survivors of the disease. They were also there to memorialize friends and loved ones who lost the battle to the dreaded illness and to raise money for its research.

Leslie Pate, breast cancer patient, is excited about the evening. Sherry’s Shots The event took place at the Leon High School Football Field and began at 7:00 p.m. To open the ceremonies Courtney Clark from Centerville did a dance routine to “Stayin’ Alive” and Erin Nelson, from Buffalo, sang an outstanding rendition of the National Anthem. Devon Missildine from Oakwood raised the flag while Erin sang.

Devon was selected to raise the flag because of the poster he made for Relay for Life using the topic “Cure for Cancer”. His poster had several pictures of forms of tobacco and read, “Cure for Cancer? Make Tobacco Illegal.” Devon received a round of applause for his insight.

Kristy Vandegriff, the event chair, informed the crowd about the purpose of the evening and gave directions to begin the first walk. The first lap is called the “Survivor’s Walk” and was done so with much emotion. Survivors, young and old, some with walkers, proudly marched around the newly renovated race track. Some participants could not and did not hold back tears as they made their way around the track.

Jo Lipsey wore this shirt in memory of her son Sammy. Sherry’s Shots On the second time around caregivers joined survivors and lapped the field to the song “Lean on Me”. Teams began their all-night vigil on the following lap.

Tents were set up on the field around the track to house various teams. Oakwood, Hilltop Lakes, and Nucor, to name a few, brought food and drinks to help them make it through the night. A children’s area had a “bouncy”, balloon artist and face painting. Bigger kids played pass in the middle of the field. One fundraiser was to put “criminals” in jail and require a donation to get out.

On the west end of the field could be seen a very unusual sunset. Sherry’s Shots As the time grew toward sunset the crowd was treated to a beautiful display of light. On the west end of the field the sun shown upwards through the clouds resembling a spotlight ray and on the east end the show was reflected giving a dimmer, but beautiful sunset at both ends of the football field.

At nine o’clock the most moving part of the evening took place with the “Luminaria Ceremony of Hope”. Each team had provided white paper sacks with the names of loved ones who had died from cancer or are cancer survivors. Inside the sack was placed a candle and at a stated time each candle was lit. The bags encompassed the track and lights were turned out.

Vandegriff asked everyone to sit during this most reverent time of the evening. While music played, the names of individuals who were on the bags were displayed on a large screen. Heart wrenching songs such as “I will Remember You, Will you remember me?” and “Somewhere over the Rainbow” helped to set the mood of the ceremony.

Winnie Hodges and Jo Lipsey are long-time friends who have won and lost in the fight with cancer. Sherry’s Shots Of course the purpose of the event was to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Over $75,000 was raised to go toward cancer research. The top producing teams were: Nucor ($21,000); Hopeful Hilltoppers ($8000); Faithful Friends Fighting Cancer ($7,500) and Bison Best ($3,500).
Erin Nelson did a beautiful job of singing the “Star Spangled Banner”. Sherry’s Shots
Kristy Vandegriff was Chairperson of the 2009 Relay for Life. Sherry’s Shots
Oakwood’s “Relay Rock Stars” show off their banner as they make their team lap around the track. Sherry’s Shots