American Legion gave a 7-gun salute at the opening ceremony of Calhoun County’s Relay for Life.

As I stepped away from the truck and walked towards the Calhoun County fairgrounds, my eyes were already tearing up. I was eager to attend Relay for Life; I’ve heard about it however never attended. My grandmother survived breast cancer when I was a young child; therefore events such as these have a special place in my heart. Even though she has been in remission for over twenty years, its presence never truly leaves.

Relay for Life is celebrated in more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries, the events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. On May 22, the American Cancer Society will celebrate 100 years of saving lives from cancer and creating a world with more birthdays.

It was a cool, crisp afternoon — echoes from the woodwinds, brass and percussion greeted me. The ballads which were played by Travis Middle School band members sounded throughout the fairgrounds.

I was surrounded by familiar faces, people I see every day and never knew had been affected by cancer. At that moment I felt a combination of emotions. I was saddened that it was because of this disease which brought us closer. My thoughts were interrupted by laughter as I walked around the track reading the luminaria bags. Families and friends sat around the track conversing.

Each luminaria, which is a paper bag that is personalized with a name, photo, message or drawing, is decorated in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Luminaria can also be dedicated in support of a Relay participant. They were lined up in rows around the relay track. Some were adorned with ribbons, buttons, stickers — each had a special message and I found myself intrigued by their designs and prayers.

Each team had set up a tent or a camper; they looked more than prepared to spend the night at the fairgrounds in support of their loved ones. The smell of barbecue filled the air; each team had gone above and beyond to decorate their area with posters, banners, plants and items to express their theme. Teammates wore T-shirts clearly setting them apart from others. I was beyond impressed with the event, which I later found out raised nearly $80,000.

The opening ceremony began and main organizer, Laura Delagarza, welcomed the 34 teams and over 450 participants. “Continue fighting,” she said. The American Legion fired a seven-gun salute in honor of the cancer survivors and those who have passed. The sun beamed down on us as if to give everyone its blessing.

By this time I had lost control of my emotions several times, the area was filled with an incredible aura. Hope radiated throughout the atmosphere.

As the survivors and family members of those who have been affected by cancer took turns on stage and gave their speeches. For some it took several deep breaths and for others, many tears to share their stories. “Stand by your family and stand by your friends,” said one family member.

“Move that mountain,” said Team Captain of Angels Among Us, Karinna Mendera. She shared her experience with cancer. “I’ve got this; in my mind I’ve already got beat it,” she told her family when she first found out about her diagnosis.

A family member from Team Rehab took the stage, the team is in honor of Nick Stephens, who was diagnosed with melanoma. “Live everyday like its your last,” he said each day until he lost the battle to cancer. The team, which has a New Orleans/Mardi Gras theme, expressed how important it is to know the importance of sun protection and the dangers of skin cancer.

Following the opening ceremony, the cancer survivors, wearing purple shirts with “I AM HOPE” written on the back, began the Survivors Lap.

Cancer survivor Melissa Compian (left) and “We Are Port O’Connor” Team member Rachel Redding make their way around the Relay for Life track.

During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer. They join the cancer survivors during the second lap around the track; from that point on one teammate must be on the track at all times until the morning.

I’d like to thank all of the participants for sharing this experience. Even as I type this, tears swell in my eyes. It was truly amazing to witness this event.

“Volunteers are everything,” said event coordinator, Nancy Hillis during the opening ceremony. Indeed! Special thank you to all those who donated and sponsored this event. To all of the organizers and volunteers, you outdid yourselves! Till next time!

Justice League Fighting for a Cure, led by Team Captain Rex Allen Delgado, making their first lap around the Relay for Life Track.

About 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 more than $4 billion to fight cancer. Find out more at: www.relayforlife.org

“We Are POC” Relay for Life team held Bake Sales to help raise money for the cause. Helping out on March 16 were Port O’Connor’s Smokin’ Nuts, offering their delicious barbecue dinners for a donation. -Photo by Jessica Helms