Relay walkers raise money for cancer research

by Angie Asam– Staff Writer

Celebrate. Remember. Fight back. Presque Isle County celebrated their tenth annual Relay for Life this weekend at the RCHS East Parking lot. Over 1,000 luminarias were sold to remember those who have lost their battle to cancer and honor those who have survived.

Relay participants had the opportunity to pledge what they would do to fight back against cancer by picking up one of 121 flags representing the statistical number of PI County residents who will be diagnosed in 2008. Twenty-one teams participated in the Relay, which before final tabulations raised over $50,000 for cancer research. Nineteen of those teams were on-site for the event with campers, booths, fundraisers, activities for kids, raffles, auctions and many decorations and things to do. Many people participated in the relay throughout the day and dressed up for the various themed laps in efforts to win prizes.

One of the most moving laps is the survivor lap, which was well attended as over 80 cancer survivors registered and walked in their victory lap

. New this year, was a second victory lap survivors made with their caregivers, those who helped them win the battle. Together the survivors represented over 878 years of survivorship. Teams participating in this years event were Barbs Bunnies, Calcite Credit Union, Crabapples, Curves of Presque Isle, Glen?s, Grace Baptist Church, Hawks Service Center, Kiwanis, Leah?s Team, Moltke Ridge Runners, No Clue Team, Onaway Area Family Credit Union, Peace Lutheran Church, P.I.E & G, Rite Aid, Rogers City Area Schools, Rogers City Sportsman?s Club, Shear Harbor, St. Ignatius, St. John Lutheran School and VFW Post #607.

Some of the teams were celebrating their first year as participants in the event while others were celebrating their tenth anniversary, being there every year there has been a Relay in Presque Isle County. Still others were in the mix ranging from the first year to the tenth year, but all were commended for their efforts as every little bit counts.

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