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Poland Relay for Life making an impact
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Poland Relay for Life Volunteer Event Co-Chair, Lori Probst, announced contest winners during Relay for Life July 6.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Rachel Mathews (left) played a game of bingo with her mother, Chris, during Poland’s Relay for Life July 6.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.First time participants, team College Comebacks 2011, were excited to join the fight against cancer during Poland’s Relay for Life July 6.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Team Raybuck tried to beat the heat while they sold merchandise and food during Poland’s Relay for Life July 6.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Hundreds of people from all different backgrounds gathered in solidarity to fight against cancer during the Poland Relay for Life event July 6.
“I think the event has really drawn the community together. We’ve grown so much. This is our fifth year — we started out at the Old Knights of Columbus with 12 teams, and we raised $13,000 our first year. This year, we have 30 teams and our goal is $64,000,” said Poland Relay for Life Co-Chair Lori Probst.
Each team member paid $100 or $1,000 per team to participate in the event, according to Prost. Colorful tents and T-shirts covered Poland Seminary High School’s field as people rallied with their teams, family and friends, all in support of raising money for the American Cancer Society.
Some walked in honor of family members who lived miles away to show their support.
“My mother was diagnosed with colon cancer in March, and unfortunately she lives in Florida so I can’t take her to treatments, but I can do this. She is walking down there and we’re walking up here,” said Terry Cramer.
The event also included fun-filled activities and entertainment for its participants, which included several live performances from local bands, raffles, games, contests and food. Local firemen also joined in on the festivities.
“At midnight, we have firefighters walk the track with their air tanks and the last one on the track wins,” Probst said.
Although many were in attendance to fight cancer, the event also served as a memorial for those who lost the battle with cancer, and a celebration for those who have survived.
“I think everybody has been touched by cancer in some way. My father is a cancer survivor and he is 90 years old. When he was diagnosed with cancer, we decided we should do a little more and we formed a team. He has been in remission for 10 years and we want more success stories like that,” Probst said.