Relay for Life
Spreading their wings for a worthy cause
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com
One remarkable woman who made a difference in so many people's lives is being honored at this year's Relay for Life. Claudia Bures, a wife and mother, a former educator and assistant superintendent, faithful member of First United Methodist Church and the Emmaus community and a cancer survivor for many years until she lost her battle to the disease in January, is being remembered by her friends, "Claudia's Angels."

L-N Photo by Quala Matocha Remembering A Dear Friend Claudia's Angels will be walking in the Relay for Life in memory of their dear friend, Claudia Bures, Oct. 20-21. The group is currently selling chances to win a variety of prizes. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Members of the team include (l-r) Stephanie Cortez, team leader; Dolores Rowland, Tana Martin, Keri Graff, Kim Wood, Neta Ripple, Melissa Weinheimer, Cheryl Korenek, Diane Thigpen and Dawn Schroedter. Not pictured are Carolyn Gordon and Tamra Hinojosa.

According to Angela Fiala, a life-long friend, "Claudia walked the survivor lap during the first Relay for Life that was held in El Campo. Pilot Club sponsored it. Tana Martin was in charge of organizing either the entire event or the luminaries. I remember placing those bags around the track and I was one of those who read the list of those being honored."

Claudia, a woman who had breast cancer, beat it, and years later was diagnosed with it again, continued until the end with great determination. Her perseverance, faith, positive attitude, desire to help others, her friendship and love were qualities Claudia's Angels seem to admire her for.

The term Claudia's Angels was an idea of team leader Stephanie Cortez. Members of the team are also part of an Emmaus prayer group calling themselves "The Wandering Angels." The team's shirts, bearing a pink cancer ribbon with angel's wings imprinted on the back and front, were designed by Cortez, Diane Thigpen and Neta Ripple. The color of the shirt is lilac, a favorite of Claudia's according to Cortez.

"Claudia lives on in our hearts and her memory continues to encourage us with our challenges in life," Thigpen said. "Walking in the Relay for Life in Claudia's honor/memory is just a small way we can contribute to the fight against cancer, the disease that took Claudia and others from us. She was truly an angel on earth, and she continues to walk with us in spirit."

Here are some additional personal thoughts from some of Claudia's Angels:

- Stephanie Cortez

"I had only known Claudia for about 5 years but she was such a great person. She always had the best advice always had the best advice and no matter what she was and no matter what she was going through she was there going through she was there for you when you needed for you when you needed help. I am a better person help. I am a better person having known her." having known her."

-Diane Thigpen

"I have had the honor of knowing Claudia almost of knowing Claudia almost half of my life," said Diane half of my life," said Diane Thigpen. "We have taught in Thigpen. "We have taught in the public schools together, the public schools together, served as team members on served as team members on spiritual renewal weekends, spiritual renewal weekends, assisted with a youth group assisted with a youth group lock-in, taught vacation Bible lock-in, taught vacation Bible school and participated in school and participated in other church activities, and were members of the same prayer group for years. One of my most recent blessings was having her lead/teach the Stephen Ministry class of which I am a part. Claudia lived her life as a strong example to others. She faced difficulty with utmost grace and faith. Claudia was truly an encourager to others. If someone mentioned they had a friend who received news that she had cancer, Claudia went to that person, with their permission, and ministered to them and did her best to relieve their fears. She was one of the most compassionate, loving, and faithful people I've been fortunate enough to touch my life.

-Kim Wood

"Claudia was someone I could call for advice and know that she would give me her honest opinion. She was like a sister to me and told me which side of Sonic to park on, the nerd or cool side."

-Dawn Schroedter

"Our sons were the same age. As they were growing up we had weekly contests at church to see which son had done the most mischief that week, from letting the water out of a water bed to drawing with permanent markers on the wall, we shared the joys, laughter and frustrations of raising sons. Her daughter Sammi is a daughter of my heart and my daughter held a special place in her heart. We are forever friends and I look forward to seeing Claudia again at Heaven's gates."

Claudia's Angels invite you to remember her and all other cancer victims and survivors by making a donation, or by purchasing a luminary in honor or memory of someone you love. They are also raising funds for the event with a drawing of prizes that will benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets are available from any of the "Angels." Prizes will be drawn for the evening of the event, which is set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.