Soldiers, Family Members join community, walk for life

By Renee Reese, Fort Stewart Public AffairsMay 5, 2011

relay
Cancer survivors officially start the beginning of Relay for Life event, with what is known as the survivors lap, April 29 in Hinesville. This annual event is held to raise awareness and money for cancer research. According to information found at re... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Forty eight teams and over 442 participants showed their support in Relay for Life event, April 29 at Liberty County recreation department football field in Hinesville. This annual event is held to raise awareness and money for cancer research. According to information found at relayforlife.org. $3.86 billion dollars have been raised since 1985.

Cancer survivors kicked off the event by walking the survivors lap. The crowd cheered and clapped for each person walking as they made their way around the track.

"Relay for Life means everything to me because it may save my children's lives," said Family Member and breast cancer survivor Marlene Thornberry. "Don't fear a diagnosis because the earlier you catch cancer, the better off you will be. "When I realized my diagnosis, I just bucked up and said let's do it (the treatment) as quickly as possible so I can be here for my husband and children... that is what means the most to me."

Upbeat music played in the background, while hundreds of Families, caregivers and friends and employees later joined survivors on the track.

"This is a celebration. For the first time I'm celebrating that I'm here," said Family Member and breast cancer survivor Darnie Hampton. "When I look around, I see that it's not just me that's here. Don't take life for granted. My employees really care about me as a survivor. My heart just feels so good."

Just as daylight ended, luminaria bags were lit in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer, in an effort not to forget them.

"I came out to show my support in the cancer walk," said Staff Sgt. Tracy White of 603rd aviation support battalion. "I would want Soldiers and Family Members to know that they can come out and show their support to help with research and finding a cure."

According to information found at cancer.org, Relay for Life got its start in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, decided to personally raise money for the cause while he circled the track.

Years later, the event has grown in communities across the globe and thousands of people turn out to run or walk the tracks to fight back against cancer. This year's event started at 6 p.m. Friday and ended 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

According to cancer.org, cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. with heart disease being the number one cause. This year its estimated that 569,490 Americans are expected to die of cancer.

"I'm a three time survivor and I have a mother and brother who have passed away from cancer," said Family Member and Army Civilian Joan Fredrickson. "Everybody knows someone that has fought one form of cancer or another. It's just good to be out here to raise awareness and to let everybody know they are not by themselves, there is somebody fighting cancer somewhere."

According to local Relay for Life information, our community raised $104,324.92. Forty eight Relay teams participated and showed their supported with fundraising.

"I came out to show my support in the cancer walk," said Staff Sgt. Tracy White of 603rd aviation support battalion. "I would want Soldiers and Family Members to know that they can come out and show their support to help with research and finding a cure."

According to information found at cancer.org, Relay for Life got its start in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, decided to personally raise money for the cause while he circled the track.

Years later, the event has grown in communities across the globe and thousands of people turn out to run or walk the tracks to fight back against cancer.

This year's event started at 6 p.m. Friday and ended 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

According to cancer.org, cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. with heart disease being the number one cause.

This year its estimated that 569,490 Americans are expected to die of cancer.

"I'm a three time survivor and I have a mother and brother who have passed away from cancer," said Family Member and Army Civilian Joan Fredrickson. "Everybody knows someone that has fought one form of cancer or another. It's just good to be out here to raise awareness and to let everybody know they are not by themselves, there is somebody fighting cancer somewhere."

According to local Relay for Life information, our community raised $104,324.92.