Relay For Life Great Success
Event brings in more than $117,000
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Quala Matocha In Honor Of... El Campo H-E-B's "Hawaii - Survivor Edition" placed first in the spirit stick competition at Relay for Life Saturday evening. Pictured here with the stick is team captain Bernadean Falcon who displays the name of her father-inlaw, Rudolph Falcon, a cancer patient. He was unable to be at the event, but many of his family members were present. The HEB spirit stick included names of other cancer survivors.

Relay for Life recorded the most money ever raised Saturday and Sunday as 34 teams brought in an impressive $117,204 for cancer research with more funds still trickling in. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

The overnight event also brought together more than 135 survivors for a lap around the track at Ricebird Stadium later lighted by 2,076 luminaries.

"To see approximately 135 survivors all outfitted in purple survivor T-shirts waiting to take a group picture with the Boy Scouts holding several United States flags flying in the background was a sight to behold," said co-chairwoman Joan Andel.

During the Cancer Survivors Walk Saturday evening, Judy Sulak pushes Joyce Juroske in a wheelchair around the track at Ricebird stadium as Relay for Life teams, family and friends cheer them on in their courageous fight against cancer. Both ladies are from Louise. L-N Photo by Quala Matocha

The Cancer Convicts brought in the most funds, a total of $ 23,000. Mid-Coast Medical Clinic's Lifesavers were second in fund-raising with more than $19,000 and NewFirst National Banks' Vault Villains came in third with a little more than $6,000.

"The majority of the money is raised in advance, but fund-raising still continues the night of Relay with some teams having silent auctions, food booths, snow cones, raffles, face painting and games," said Andel.

Some teams held fund-raising events throughout the year. The scope of involvement and originality for some teams was commendable.

"Teams raised money by having bake sales, raffles, hamburger lunches, snow-cone sales, a fishing tournament, luminary sales and many other things," said Andel.

More than 2,000 luminaries were placed around the track at Ricebird Stadium Saturday evening during the annual Wharton County Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Each was sponsored, at $5 each, in memory of a loved one who had died from cancer, or in memory of someone who is in remission or still fighting the disease. Many volunteers filled bags with sand and candles, placed them around the track and in the stands to spell out HOPE. Helping to light candles are Garrett Prochaska and Ashley Sczech. L-N Photo by Chris Barbee

"This community is truly blessed with some very creative and compassionate people," added Sandra Kachmar, committee member. "There were silent auctions, raffles, and my team even sold wishes. The Lifesavers, Cancer Convicts and H-E-B each had their own little auctions going on the night of Relay for Life."

A moving talk by Monica Kubena of East Bernard, mother of twin girls diagnosed with leukemia, was given during the evening's festivities. One of the twins was diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2 and the other twin was diagnosed shortly thereafter. The Kubena family was also featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The girls, now in remission, are nine-years-old.

First place winner in the Relay for Life campsite judging competition was a group of current and former Hutchins Elementary School teachers calling themselves Sue's Soul Sisters in memory Sue Gusman, a fellow teacher who died after a lengthy illness with cancer. Their theme was, "We Are Crammin' For A Cure!" Pictured are (l-r) Dorothy Hermansen, Pat Leopold (orange shirt), Amy Manis (big nose), Rebecca Carruthers (pack on back), Vanessa Rod (maroon shirt) and Rhea Kachmar (holding books). L-N Photo by Chris Barbee

"She spoke of what Relay For Life means to them and how it helps those who have been diagnosed and hopefully we will have a vac- vaccine that will one day prevent this disease," said Andel. "It was so nice for Monica to share her personal experiences with all of us."

On hand for the event were county and city officials as well. Leading the "Survivors Lap" were Judge Randy Clapp, Commissioners Philip Miller and Mickey Reynolds, Wharton Mayor Bryce Kocian, El Campo Mayor Philip Spenrath, County Clerk Sandy Sanders and Tax Assessor Patrick Kubala.

The Gulf Coast Medical Center Divas enjoyed their time at Ricebird Stadium Saturday raising money for the American Cancer Society. Laura Ortiz puts lipstick on Alexis Russ, while Jessica Mills reaches for something. In background is Marie Jackson of Lane City, and sitting with glasses on head is Teresa Lilie. Everyone but Jackson lives in El Campo. The campsite theme was "Brushing Away Cancer." L-N Photo by Chris Barbee

Campsites and spirit sticks were just as original as teams' fund-raising efforts. Campsite judging was based on decorations, presentation of theme and survivor participation activities. Sue's Soul Sisters "Cramming for a Cure" came in first place; Cancer Convicts' "Escape to Paradise" was second and third place went to El Campo H-E-B's "Hawaii - Survivor Edition." Spirit stick winners were El Campo H-E-B, first place; Sue's Soul Sisters, second; and The Fishing Crew, third. Spirit stick winners were judged on their theme presentation, and in relation to honoring survivors or lost loved ones.

"It was an honor to judge both the campsites and the spirit sticks," said Chris Barbee. "To listen to the meaning and motivation behind each spirit stick and campsite was both uplifting, and emotional. Some spirit sticks had pictures on them of people who have either died from cancer, or who are survivors so far," Barbee said.

"I think some healing occurred for everyone at Relay. Or at least a sense of gratification was gained by each person participating that they could do something to honor or memorialize the friends and family who have been affected by cancer. I know I personally did some laps for my mother, my wife's parents and others who have died from cancer. As I began each lap I would say, 'This is for you Mom!," or 'This is for you Jack and Lois,'" he added.

"We had an excellent committee, corporate sponsors, wonderful teams and county support that all made Relay For Life Wharton County so successful," said Andel. "When I saw the total amount that had been raised for this year's event at about 12:30 a.m., I just literally gasped. I am still in amazement and so proud of everyone who contributed."