Brianna Paganini, 15, (r), and cancer survivor Julie Conrad share a hug during opening ceremonies of the 2012 Relay For Life at Howell High School. The overnight event saluted cancer survivors, remembered those who lost their battle with the disease, and raised funds to support the American Cancer Society. ERIC SUCAR staff HOWELL — Organizers of the fourth annual Howell Relay for Life, which took place recently at Howell High School, were hoping to raise money for cancer research and to provide support for cancer survivors, while honoring individuals who lost their lives to the disease.
They were successful in both efforts.
The fundraising goal of $50,000 was exceeded by nearly $10,000, which was raised by 64 teams comprising almost 700 Relay for Life participants.
Jennifer Hernandez, a director of special events for the American Cancer Society, said the relay was a resounding success.
“The event was absolutely amazing,” Hernandez said. “Everyone who was there was there to do the three things we do best, which is celebrate, remember, and fight back.”
A poignant moment for Hernandez was the luminaria event, during which the track surrounding the Howell football field was lined with bags containing candles as participants walked a silent lap.
The lap is intended to honor those who lost their battle with cancer or are still fighting the disease.
Among those honored was Madison Beggs, a sixth-grade Howell pupil who lost her battle with cancer on June 4, just days before the event was held.
“[The relay] was a place for people to go to grieve,” Hernandez said.
She said the success of the 2012 event will hopefully lead to bigger and better Howell relays in the future.
“We hope those people had a great time and will come back,” she said.
In addition to the participants who walked laps on the track in a relay fashion overnight, a dinner was held for cancer survivors.
Following the dinner, the opening ceremonies began with a special lap. Cancer survivors and their caregivers walked in opposite directions and met in the middle of that lap, signifying the bond they share.
The Relay for Life culminated with a closing ceremony that was held the following morning at dawn.
Last year the Jersey Shore Region of the American Cancer Society provided more than $5 million to researchers in New Jersey through 14 cancer research grants. Additionally, the region provided survivor programs for 2,400 people, and other resources and information.