Celebrating a relay with a lot of life

Blood blisters and stress fractures impaired the Daily Pilot’s Relay

for Life team before the 24 hours was up last weekend, but the

American Cancer Society had a heathy run.

The event was expected to bring in about $60,000. And although

numbers were still being tallied last we knew, the fundraiser drew

enthusiastic crowds of people who brought their walking shoes and

wallets.

Community groups, businesses, city departments, and family and

friends form teams and pledge to walk around a makeshift track for a

solid 24 hours. Team members get pledges and many make donations

themselves for cancer research.

Nearly 1,000 people participated in the 24-hour walk this year,

which began on May 14 at 6 p.m.

At about 9 p.m., just after dark, volunteers lighted luminarias

that could be purchased for $10 apiece and bore the names and

messages for cancer victims and survivors.

It was a touching, heartfelt gathering of the Newport-Mesa

community and one that showed off its heart and soul.

While the topic was somber, the event was anything but. Friends,

family and co-workers laughed, walked, talked and camped out to show

support and raise money to battle a disease that has touched most

everyone’s life in some way or another.

Teams had themes and matching T-shirts. There were the Council

Critters and the City Slickers, Marsha’s Heroes, Relay for Roz, the

Broad Squad and so many more.

The Daily Pilot walked in honor of Advertising Director Judy

Oetting, who passed away in February following a battle with

pancreatic cancer. Many of the teams were there to honor a loved one

in a similar way.

Bands played music, teams sponsored games and additional

fundraisers. One team did pie throwing -- for a $1 you could toss a

pie tin of whipped cream at someone’s puss. All in the name of fun

and fundraising.

It was fun, touching and important. The efforts put forth and the

money raised may one day save lives.