Surviving the Storm: Relay For Life experiences success after change of venue due to weather
Published 9:18 pm Friday, June 23, 2017
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Cancer survivors prepare to take a lap during the survivors' walk portion of Friday's Relay For Life event at TCAT – Elizabethton.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Brian Mathes was one of the several cancer survivors recognized during Friday's event. Mathes is a 49-year survivor of cancer.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Kathy Thomason (right) and John Bland share a laugh while walking around TCAT.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Caregivers prepare for their lap Friday.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Mattie and Millie Holtsclaw share a moment with Robin Vines (seated).
Star Photo/Curtis Carden (From left) Saig, Heith and Brody Rose pose while get a caricature drawing completed.
A little bit of rain and wind couldn’t damper the fighting spirit of Carter County.
Hundreds gathered in Stoney Creek Friday evening into Saturday morning at TCAT – Elizabethton to participate in the annual Relay For Life event, sponsored by the Carter County affiliate.
“It has been an incredible event,” said Relay For Life co-chair Greg Odom. “Thankfully the weather cooperated so we could have the survivor and caregiver walk outside. We’re excited about continuing the night inside having more event. It’s a great opportunity to raise money and awareness for cancer research.”
It was a hectic couple of days before the event. With the original location set for T.A. Dugger Junior High, the Leadership Team ultimately made the decision to change the venue due to inclement weather.
It was the perfect metaphor, Greg added. While a curveball was tossed, participants were able to bounce back and have a joyful experience inside the TCAT facility.
“Charity (Odom) actually mentioned that the other day and I talked about it inside,” he said. “When the storm comes, it is something you don’t really expect, and that’s the way cancer survivors approach this when they first get diagnosed. It’s a storm in their life, but you have to keep pressing forward and fighting through.”
The 20-plus teams that assisted with Relay For Life were recognized throughout the event while the special luminaria ceremony allowed individuals a time to reflect on loved ones affected by cancer.
Relay For Life is part of a program by the American Cancer Society to help raise funds for cancer awareness. And while the 2017 event is the books, there’s always time to look ahead toward the future, according to the co-chair.
“There’s a lot of ways to get involved,” Greg said. “We’d love to help you get together a team, fundraising events are great. Also, come to local events other teams have. Next year, we’re hoping to have it at a facility where we could have it outside but move inside if needed.”
And there was appreciation sent to the officials over TCAT.
“TCAT has been amazing,” the co-chair said with a smile. “We were able to have the survivor dinner in here. They’re allowing us to stay during the night and seemed really happy about us coming out to have this event.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Relay For Life of Carter County, Tn Facebook page online.
