Leon County turns out for 5th annual Relay For Life

Friday April 16th offered up a "B-E-A-Yootiful"* evening for Leon County's fifth annual Relay for Life celebration and fundraiser, and a large crowd turned out for the event staged at the Buffalo High School football field. This year's theme was "More Birthdays" because more birthdays means less cancer.

One hundred fifty cancer survivors, identified by their purple tee-shirts and white sashes, were the guests of honor and their Survivor Lap during the opening ceremonies was greeted by cheering crowds all around the track. The second lap was equally moving, as the survivors were joined by their families and care-givers. The prevailing mood of the evening was, indeed, a celebration of life, family and friends -- sprinkled with hugs and, of course, a few tears. By 9:00 p.m. luminaries circled the track, representing loved ones who have lost the battle to this dread disease. In a very emotional portion of the night's scheduled events, the stadium lights were then extinguished and the names of the deceased were posted on an inflated screen. The entire crowd then made a lap around the track, which was lighted only by flickering flames of the luminarias.

Robby Lyle of Hilltop Lakes was a walking celebration The track was filled throughout the night as folks walked laps to make the point that cancer never sleeps. Thirty teams had set up "camp" in the grassy infield and games, races and musical entertainment kept the party going all night long. A light mist in the early morning hours speeded up the closing ceremony which was held at 6:00 a.m.

The Relay for Life committee, chaired by Kristy Vandergriff and Amanda Skelton, put in countless hours to pull off this county-wide event. Marathon Oil was the corporate sponsor. These folks deserve a huge and heart-felt "Thank You" for bringing us together to celebrate the precious gift of Life.

Deborah Raines, as Leon County’s most recently-diagnosed victim of cancer, was chosen to light the candle on a birthday cake celebrating the county’s 237 registered survivors. Relay for Life co-chairman Amanda Skelton (in red) and other survivors shared the poignant moment. * borrowed from Jim Carrey

The parade of survivors in the opening ceremonies was a highlight of the evening’s activities.
David and Mary Karrer of Centerville stroll together on the Survivor/Caregiver’s lap.
Shekinah Amos, Lavonia Chisolm and Laqwasha Willis came together to celebrate their “Auntie” -- survivor Josie Randle of Buffalo.
Survivor Yvonne Harcrow of Buffalo had a big smile for the camera.
As she walked, Buffalo’s Sue High carried a photo of her late husband, Donald.
Centerville’s Kathy Pierce was thankful to be able to carry her new grandson, Carter Stone, on a lap around the track. Relay for Life is an emotional time for the families affected by this disease.
“Maw Maw” Georgetta Pickett takes a pie in the face from her 5th grade grandson, Garren Pickett. The “Cream Cancer” booth was a FUNd-raiser at The Cowboy Church in Centerville’s campsite.
Buffalo’s Bob Boettcher and grandson James take a victory lap to celebrate Bob’s health.