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ZEBULON - The annual Relay For Life of Pike County was held in Zebulon on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 10:00AM to 10:00PM at Pike County High School. There were over 20 teams with over 130 participants. The night was a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. This year's event raised over $8,500 during the day to increase our community's total contribution for this year to over $26,000.
Two-time cancer survivor and Relay for Life volunteer Christina Parker told the crowd that "hope is the fuel to fire that keeps us moving forward" and that experience makes them strong and more resilient. She gave encouragement in a journey of courage, perspective and hope.
The opening ceremony reminded everyone that this time was a way to fight back so no one will hear the dreadful words, "You have cancer." Singing happy birthday to survivors brought a tear to many on the track that morning.
History of Relay For Life
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.
Relays are taking place in over 5,000 communities across America and in 20 countries with nearly 4 million people worldwide who are working to bring an end to cancer.
Survivors Lap
During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event took the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Caregivers were also recognized and celebrated because they give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.
Luminaria Ceremony
The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.
The Relay For Life Luminary Program was the most successful in the history of Pike County events. There were 400 lit luminary bags and 31 luminary torches completely lining the track in honor of loved ones that have been affected by cancer. Our Luminary lead Donna Sears personalized many luminary bags with loving messages, pictures, and artwork to the delight of family members that found them lining the track.
Things to Look For
Lots of good food: Grilled corn, hamburgers, hotdogs, bbq sandwiches and walking tacos, and various local commercial vendors. Lots of fun stuff to do: Kids Bouncey Things of Zebulon will have 3 units large bounce houses (including their large BIG DADDY dual lane slide and their MEGA MAZE obstacle course bounce house), various carnival games by several teams including Meansville Baptist’s dunk booth, fresh boiled peanuts by the Nut Hut, a photo booth by Flashover Photography, Silent Auction gift baskets, Lap Beads & Lanyards by Christ Chapel, two corn hole tournaments, face painting, Hayley Blackmon – the Scottish terrier Scottie who is the official mascot of Warm Springs, Georgia & spokesdog for Hayley’s Helpers, Inc who raises funds for canine cancer research.
Special Thanks
The Planning Community wants to thank this year's Presenting Sponsor Ricky Shepherd, owner of Shepherd Care Hospice. Ricky presented a heartfelt and inspirational message during the opening ceremony. Contact Ricky at 404-557-0277 or ricky@shepherdcarega.com to learn about their services.
The Pike County 2015 Relay For Life planning committee cannot thank our community enough for their support and participation. Each of you made a difference this weekend in helping out with Pike County’s 2015 Relay For Life. What an awesome day spent celebrating cancer survivors and caregivers.
A wrap up party was held on Monday, May 11th in Zebulon. This was a time designated to say thank you and recognize our top fundraisers, team captains, Event leads & much more.
The planning community for 2016 is forming now. Please contact Karen Bennett at 678-588-7852 to find out how you can join our team.
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
Click here to read about last year's Relay for Life.
Above: World Famous Scottish Terrior Mascot Hayley Blackmon II was there as a representative for the National Canine Cancer Foundation. wearethecure.org
This Row: These young ladies walked 13 miles during the Relay. Just because!
