Relay for Life tops $1 million mark

Money is still coming in, but donations totaled as of Tuesday have put Relay for Life of Highland over the $1 million mark since the event was started here 11 years ago.

Even though the grounds were a bit damp and soggy at Glik Park from recent rains, enthusiasm was high as approximately 600 were in attendance at some point throughout the night on Friday to celebrate life and the fight against cancer.

The official total so far was that $43,307 had been raised this year for the fight against cancer, putting the Highland Relay’s 11-year total at more than $1.03 million.

Sixteen teams with 281 team members participated in this year’s Relay.

The event began with a dinner for survivors and their guests, followed by the opening ceremony with Bill Sullivan serving as emcee. After Sullivan’s opening remarks, members of the Highland Fire Department raised the American Flag as the National Anthem was played. Event Lead Joy Krouper, Chief of Police Terry Bell, Lori Vandygriff of Scott Credit Union, each spoke a few words with Pastor Will VerDuin of EvUCC giving the opening message.

VerDuin talked about carry’s life hula hoops.

“You carry the hula hoop around your waist willing to give it a whirl, and then you’re in this balancing act to keep things afloat, and when it falls, you face dismay and sometimes it feels like you want to give up,” he said. “We carry life around us, willing to give it a whirl, and then we’re in this balancing act to keep things afloat and when we fall, or get sick, or face dismay, sometimes it feels like we want to give up.”

VerDuin found out at an early age, that he wasn’t very good at balancing life’s hula hoops around him.

“My father got cancer when I was in high school, all my grandparents had it, and with every treatment it just felt like we’re going round and round waiting for purpose to be revealed or a goal to be seen. As a youth I lived in the bottom of the barrel. Unhappy, quiet, and dark, suicidal, I couldn’t balance life’s hula hoops. ...We know that life is a tough hula hoop to keep balanced, and sometimes it is hard to find purpose in everything that we do or that happens to us.

“But whatever you think church should look like, or however religious or spiritual you are or are not, there is a God whose message is consistent in saying ‘You’re welcome here, hello.’”

A special performance was given by Justin McLaughlin and the Lory Theater puppets.

Survivors led the first lap around the track, and then were joined by family, friends and caregivers, to officially begin the Relay. After that, team members, family, and friends walked the track for the fight against cancer throughout the evening.

Teams held a variety of fundraisers throughout the evening — raffles, a silent auction and musical chairs, to name a few. Various themed laps such as the Bead Lap, Purple Lap, and Luau for Life Lap also added to the fun. Teams sold various food and drink items at their camp sites. A Hope Glows 5K Run/Walk, Bingo, Rusty Rods Car Exhibit, Box Car Race and a visit from Fredbird and Ardy the Clown added to the festivities.

Music was provided throughout the evening by These 4 Walls and DJ Tim Twyford.

The Luminaria Ceremony was held at dusk. The ceremony began with a presentation by Nora Minton, an American Cancer Society representative and cancer survivor. More than 300 lighted luminary bags honoring survivors and/or remembering those who have lost the battle lined the track around the lake for this inspirational ceremony. Their reflection in the water was a sight to behold. Many were decorated with drawings, messages, and pictures of loved ones. Participants sat in silence as the names of those being honored and/or remembered were read by Tim Twyford. After all names were read, attendees took to the track for a silent lap.

This year’s Relay committee, led by Joy Krouper, was happy with the event.

“This year’s Relay for Life was a success even though the crowd was slightly down from previous years and we were short of our goal, because our community came together as one in the fight to beat cancer,” Krouper said. “The smiles, laughter, tears, and hugs make all the team’s and committee’s efforts worthwhile. I am honored to have had the opportunity to chair Highland’s 11^th Relay and want to thank everyone who participated from the teams, committee, survivors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers and the community. With our Relay each year, we come closer to eliminating cancer. Thank you all.” 　　　

This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 3:01 AM with the headline "Relay for Life tops $1 million mark."