Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: News

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Kentwood sophomore Rachel Vert and Jonesville freshman Carla Barrington embrace after the cancer victim memorial was displayed during the Relay for Life event Saturday evening in the Indoor Athletic Complex. [Click to enlarge]

Byron junior Sarah Paulin puts up luminaria bags Saturday evening during the Relay for Life event in the Indoor Athletic Complex. The bags were put up around the track with names and messages of loved ones with cancer. [Click to enlarge]

Relay for Life supporters walk around the track as luminaria bags are lit up displaying names and messages to loved ones with cancer, and bags lit in the background displaying 'CURE' Saturday night in the Indoor Athletic Complex. The message started at 'HOPE,' and as the dimly lit relay progressed, was changed to 'CURE.' [Click to enlarge]

Remember, celebrate and fight back.

Those words were displayed on a banner hung across the stage at CMU's Relay for Life, which drew about 1,500 people this weekend to the Indoor Athletic Complex.

Several teams of people put on displays, all holding their own fundraisers to collect money for cancer research.

"This event has been spectacular," said Jodi Haynes, planning committee member and Spring Lake senior, on Saturday. "It's a great opportunity to get involved."

As of Sunday afternoon, the event raised $53,000. There were 88 teams that participated.

CMU students, as well as other visitors, joined together to form the teams. The goal was to keep at least one person from each team walking around the track at all times to symbolize the never-ending dangers of cancer.

When not walking, team members gathered at tables around the track's outer perimeter.

Some tables offered a display of baked goods for sale, while others a half hour to play the Nintendo Wii.

One table, organized by members of CMU's Speech, Language and Hearing Club, carried a romantic theme. Red icicle lights lit up the area and a sign with the words "Kissing Booth" drew curious onlookers.

Depending on the amount of their donation, visitors could receive a single Hershey's Chocolate Kiss or a real kiss from a team member.

Whitehall senior Annette Morris, who sat at the booth Saturday evening, said she enjoyed the competition among teams.

"Everyone's here for the same reason," Morris said. "It's fun to compete for money, but it's great it all goes toward the same cause."

Several special ceremonies Saturday evening made the night especially significant for some.

At one point, cancer survivors lined up in front of the stage to introduce themselves and give a short explanation of their experience with cancer. Following each introduction, onlookers applauded and offered cheers of support. The survivors then took a victory lap around the track, many hugging and linking arms along the way.

"Everyone is yelling and screaming and having a good time," said cancer survivor Jackie Driesenga. "It's great to see young people having such a good time in support of (Relay for Life.)"

Later, the lights dimmed and those present were given a chance to reflect on loved ones who lost their lives battling cancer.

Several luminaria bags spelled out the word "hope" across the bleachers, while others in the center of the track displayed hand-drawn memorials.

Tears were shed at the event, Haynes said, but a sense of peace prevailed.

"There is a good turnout and a good vibe," she said.


news@cm-life.com

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