Relay for Life Participants Walk in Honor of Those Battling Cancer

By Bonnie Hinkle -

Fall Creek Valley Middle School, of Lawrence Township, was host for this year’s Relay For Life event for the American Cancer Society on Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 7, 2009.

Relay For Life brings together more than 3.5 million people nationwide to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who lost the battle, and raise money to fight a disease that takes too many lives.  These are 24-hour walking vigils where teams of family, friends and co-workers take turns walking around the school’s athletic track. Teams camp out overnight and raise money through donations, but they also participate in many fun activities and ceremonies. During the 24-hour walk, someone from the team is always walking the track as a reminder that cancer never sleeps.

Everyone’s reason to Relay is as unique as his or her own personal story. Matt and Shanda Jouppi of Greenfield, Ind., have participated in Relay For Life events for the last four years. They walk to celebrate Shanda’s best friend’s survival of cancer and walk in memory of her 5-year-old cousin who lost the battle with cancer.

Festivities during the event included various small groups participating in sporting activities inside the track, a dunk tank, special information booths, auction items and a blood donation mobile center.

Central Indiana is hosting 32 Relay For Life Events this year. Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.