Survivors, supporters gather for Relay for Life

Survivors, supporters gather for Relay for Life

They started walking early Friday afternoon and walked all night to raise money to fight cancer. Survivors, caregivers, families of survivors and supportive citizens gathered at Manning Elementary School in Roanoke Rapids for the annual Relay for Life event.

At 6 p.m. the laps of honor started. The first was the cancer survivors’ lap. As they made their way around the track in purple T-shirts, hundreds of people lined the track and applauded them. Next was the cancer caregivers lap, followed by $1,000 pledgers, and then the teams’ lap. As some of the walkers made their way around the track "Walking On Sunshine" was played in the background.

Cancer survivors were actually involved with all the laps. They wore the purple shirts as a badge of honor. Wearing the shirt meant they had been through the worst and can still talk about it.

Over half of the quarter-mile track was lined with luminaries. Around the entire track were tents from the various teams as well as some community tents. One community tent was filled with rocking chairs for supporters who may not be able to walk. There was plenty of food and entertainment for everyone. There was even a dunking booth to raise money and to help the dunkees cool off.

Teams represented many area organizations, schools, hospitals, businesses, and churches. One team that stood out with their bright pink t-shirts was the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Iota Omega 2007 debutantes for the sorority.

Littleton and Lake Area cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends were found throughout the track area with various teams. Eaton’s Ferry AARP was well represented.

The Observers’ own Anne Spragins was with the ‘Bloomin’ for a Cure’ team. She ran most of her laps.

It was reported that more than $80,000 was raised this year, although the Obser-ver was not able to verify it. This was a 50 percent increase over the $53,000 raised last year.