Macon Telegraph - May 23, 2006

Relay for Life delivers hope

By Jenny Gordon

TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER

PERRY - They came willingly with high spirits and a strong sense of purpose.

Drawn by an invisible power, more than a thousand laughed, cried and cheered, expressing every human emotion in support of a cause that has affected all of us in some way.

Their practical goal was to raise money for the American Cancer Society's 2006 Relay for Life in the fight against cancer.

To an outsider, the atmosphere Friday evening at the Georgia National Fairgrounds might have resembled a festival. The cool evening air provided a perfect backdrop for backyard grills smoking with a variety of meats, large tents offered cover for young and old seated at tables and fold-out chairs, inspirational music blared from speakers, various groups provided free entertainment and children ran free, laughing and playing games.

At closer look, though, participants over a 24-hour period would walk for miles and miles, sometimes alone or in pairs, other times in small or large groups.

"Relay, to me, it's a celebration," said Linda Farmer, a breast cancer survivor and co-chair of Houston County Relay for Life's luminary committee. "It's an encouragement É a way of giving back to the American Cancer Society for all they're doing for me. It's just a big party is what it is."

The evening began with dozens of survivors walking around a paved track surrounded by relay teams from across Houston County. The message was clear: To remember and honor those who have died or are still living with cancer and to find a cure for the second leading cause of death in the United States.

Money raised from Relay for Life provides services such as training for breast cancer survivors who visit newly diagnosed women, volunteer drivers who provide transportation to treatment for cancer patients, Hope Lodge in Atlanta, which provides free lodging for patients and their families receiving treatment, a toll-free, national call center, an informational Web site and free mammograms for women in Houston County who are underinsured or uninsured for medical services.

For one out-of-town couple visiting from New York, the sights and sounds from the weekend's events were an inspiration.

"I think this is big. This is absolutely tremendous," said Marge Bryant, whose sister and brother were affected by cancer. "Everyone in town must be represented."

"I think the idea of money for research is very important," she added, saying that Relay for Life events held across the country is a way to raise public awareness about efforts to combat this devastating disease.

Bonaire resident Judy Coleman was busy at her campsite preparing hamburgers and hot dogs to sell to the public. She was part of a combined city team from Kathleen and Bonaire.

Her involvement in Relay for Life was especially emotional because of her own survival from breast cancer 18 years ago.

"It's hard to put into words, really. I do it for family and friends," said Coleman, who has participated in the relay for 10 years. "I would just love to see a cure for cancer because it does so much to a family financially and emotionally when a loved one is diagnosed."

Warner Robins resident Jeff McAfee, whose 6-year-old daughter Joanna passed away in December from a rare and aggressive type of childhood cancer, spoke before the memory walk and luminary service. He shared moments from Joanna's life and her courageous battle against cancer.

"Our family needed help and this community reached out to us. I want to thank God for giving us our precious gift for six years," said McAfee. "I hate cancer, and I know most of you do too."

"Last year was a very happy time for us. Joanna was a survivor. Joanna was a special little girl. She had a way of appreciating those little things that those of us take for granted," he said.

The McAfees have started the Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of cancer in children, raise money for research and provide support to families. For more about the foundation, visit www.supportcancerkids.org.

Following McAfee's moving tribute, hundreds of luminaries were lit around the track, signifying individuals who have survived or lost their battle with cancer. The luminaries' haunting beauty provided a lighted passageway for walkers as they circled the track throughout the night.

The family atmosphere of the relay wasn't lost on participants or its organizers, many of whom with family members affected by cancer.

"The survivors are why we're here," said relay co-chair Alesia Chadwick. "Everyone has the same thing in common. There are no strangers."

Teams this year from Houston County represented: Andrew United Methodist Church, ARINC, ASMC, Bank of Perry, Bonaire Elementary School, Bonaire/Kathleen, Bosom Buddies, Cats for a Cure, CB&T Bank, Central Georgia hematology/oncology, Christ United Methodist Church, Christ United Methodist Church School, Christian Hope Church, Christian Walkers, Cinderella Chapter No. 406, Cirrus Technology, city of Warner Robins, Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors, Colleen Crusaders, Delta Sigma Theta, Donna's Dawg Pound, Eagle Springs Elementary School, Eve Chapter No. 735, Faith Bible Fellowship Church, Feagin Mill Middle School, First Baptist Church at Garmon Street, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Frito Lay Chippers, Grange Insurance, Hospice of Houston County, Houston County Board Walkers, Houston County Schools nutrition, Houston County YMCA, Houston Medical Center, Joanna McAfee Cancer Foundation, Kappa Alpha Kappa, Linwood Elementary School, Matt Arthur Elementary School, Middle Georgia Cyclists, Miller Elementary School, Northrop Grumman Mashers, Northside High School Beta Club, OMI Water Workers, Parkwood Elementary School, Parrish Construction, Patterson Chiropractic, Perry Middle School, Perry Primary School, Quail Run Elementary School, Robins Federal Credit Union, Russell Elementary School, Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus, Salon Ritz, Sister Act I/Sister Act II, SRA Penguins, Super Role Models, Target, TCS Design, Troopers for a Cure, Vicki Carter, Warner Robins High School Math Club, Warner Robins Senior Stars, 19th ARG Black Knights and 54th Combat Squadron.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

To learn more about Houston County's Relay for Life and to form a team next year, visit www.houstoncountyrelayforlife.com.

Jenny Gordon is a community news writer for The Houston Peach. If you have an event, fund-raiser or interesting person you'd like to share, please call 923-3109 ext. 240, or email jgordon@macontel.com