CAMP WALKER, South Korea -- Soldiers, civilians, family members and Korean nationals from Area IV gathered at Kelly Field on Camp Walker to raise money for cancer research during the Relay for Life June 3-4.
Relay for Life raises funds through donations for cancer research, helps raise cancer awareness and provides an opportunity to show support for those who lost someone or know someone stricken with the disease.
“I lost my father two years ago to cancer. I’ve lost more than ten Soldiers to cancer, and I know more than a dozen caregivers,” said Col. Kathleen Gavle, Installation Management Command Daegu commander.
“It’s good to see that so many people have come together for a great cause.”
According to www.cancer.org, cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease. In the U.S., cancer accounts for nearly one of every four deaths.
“Relay for Life is an opportunity for people to show support for those people whose lives have been influenced by cancer,” said Cpl. Kathleen Babiarz, 75th Medical Company Area Support.
Babiarz, United States Army Garrison Daegu Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers coordinator, organized a BOSS relay team of 25 people to participate in the 12-hour long relay.
People interested in joining the BOSS relay team donated $10 for the cause.
For those donators who could not participate in the relay, an illuminary bag was placed along the track with the donator’s lost ones name on the bag.
“The illuminary bags are for those who want their lost ones to be honored or to be remembered during the event,” Babiarz said.
The event began at 7 p.m. with different stations set up for children and adults to roam around and enjoy.
Spc. Megan Benfield, 168th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, participated in Relay for Life in North Carolina for five years and coordinated this year’s event at Camp Walker.
This year’s Relay for Life was strengthened by donations made on behalf of the local hospitals such as Hyosung Women’s Hospital, Medipark, Dongsan, Youngnam and Fatima hospitals. Many Korean medical personnel participated in the relay.
The relay began with cancer survivors, who wore purple sashes, that walked the first lap as onlookers applauded.
Once the participants began walking around the track, performances kicked off such as a Taekwondo demonstration and a mime performance for the supporters and attendees to enjoy. Blow-up playgrounds, popcorn and refreshments were served as many people celebrated the event.
The relay portion of the event continued on through the night till 7 a.m. the next morning.
“If you’re going through or know someone going through cancer, they need to know that there’s always hope. They need to know that they’re not alone,” Benfield said.
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