BELLEFONTE — Teams of volunteers put on their walking shoes Friday to raise money to fight cancer and show support for survivors during the 15th annual Relay for Life event in Rogers Stadium.
CDT/Melissa Doss
Michelle Spaide, left, of Bellefonte, and Ken Maney, right, of Port Matilda, put candles in glass jars as Jane Kone, center, of Howard Township, walks along the bleachers arranging them during the Bellefonte Relay for Life at Bellefonte High School on Friday, June 19, 2009. Once the candles are lit after dark, the word "hope" will be illuminated. CDT/Melissa Doss
About 600 people on 28 teams were slated to turn out for the Bellefonte Relay, which started at 3 p.m. and continues until 3 p.m. today.
Matt Eichelberger, income development specialist with the American Cancer Society in the State College office, said this year’s goal is $55,000. That would bring the total raised by the Bellefonte Relay to $1.6 million. The money benefits local programs and services.
This is the 10th year Mick and Pat Lose, of Bellefonte, have been walking in the relay. Pat Lose, a cancer survivor, is part of a survivor team. The relay has given her other people to talk to who are in similar situations.
“(There is) a lot of support here,” she said.
At least one member of each team is on the track during the relay. Tammy Whitehill, of Bellefonte, was helping run the concession stand where relayers could stop for something to eat or for coffee and tea. Whitehill said she’s been participating for about 10 years.
“It’s a good cause. I just feel good about doing it,” she said.
She said teams raise money through donations and events throughout much of the year.
“We’ll start planning for it pretty much after this is over,” she said.
Gail Lucas was ready to walk with the Pleasant Gap Lioness Club and the Saint Mark Ever Ready Walkers.
“Everybody’s touched by cancer in one way or another,” Lucas said. “We do what we can to help.”
Eichelberger said that if stormy weather hits, walkers take a break before heading back for laps around the track.
“There’s good spirit among relayers even if it’s raining,” he said.
The Penn State Relay took place in April, and the Centre Hall Relay will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair grounds.
Anne Danahy can be reached at 231-4648.
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