Photos by Shawn Nowlin
History shows that hundreds, if not thousands, of people show up for the Annual American Cancer Society (AAS) Relay For Life Race regardless of weather. This year on Saturday, May 13, a sizeable crowd once again arrived at Longwood Park around noon to participate in the world’s largest cancer fundraising event.
Many participants brought their own water bottles and wore shirts that read “I Am A Cancer Survivor”. “Unfortunately, my family has been stricken with cancer for over six decades now,” Roanoke County resident Michele Wilbekin said. “This deadly disease took away my sister and my best friend. I can’t put into words what it means to see so many people out here today.”
Lisa Bain joined the Relay for Life Leadership Committee in 2013 after being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. “Individuals and teams raise money to support the ACS as they help those currently battling cancer, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education, prevention and early detection. We had 36 teams sign up this year,” she said.
Many companies played a part in making last Saturday a success. “Medeco, One Beacon Insurance, City of Salem, WFXR, Lewis Gale Regional Health System and TMEIC were our sponsors this year. Aztec Rentals, Roanoke Golf Cars, Chick-Fil-A, Elizabeth Arden, Salem Rescue Squad, the Salem Police Department Explorers, Servpro and Big Fun Events also supported our event with donations and services,” Lisa said. “The entertainment was provided by Southern Shine, Lee Palmer & the Hot-Wired Band, DJ T-Wiz, Downtown Diversion and the Virgina Highland Pipes and Drums Group. Other businesses and individuals supported our event with donations for our Survivor Banquet on April 20: Mama’s Angel for Life, Jobe’s Florist, First United Methodist Church, Sam Carter, Debbie Lucci and Robertson Marketing Group.”
Andrew Houser mentioned his wife Traci when asked what brought him out to Longwood Park. “Cancer is the type of disease that transcends ethnicity, gender and age,” he said. “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer which is why events like today are so important.”
Jordan Thomas, Corey Batie and Jamie Allen are all area residents. The three longtime friends have each been diagnosed with cancer but refuse to let the disease control their lives. “So many, like the late great Stuart Scott, have fallen to cancer but never gave up,” Allen said. “It’s vital to have a strong support system and organizations like American Cancer Society provide just that.”
“Relay for Life started in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington. He raised $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight Cancer,” Bain said. “I’m extremely proud of the survivors, fighters and caregivers for what they have dealt with or are dealing with currently. We also honor those that lost their battle with the disease. It’s great that our community can come together for this common cause. Of course, if we can raise money for ACS along the way that is even better.”
