Relay raises $135,000 for cancer research

For some it’s been more than 20 years since they beat cancer. For others it’s only been a few months. Some were newly diagnosed. Others were there just to show they care.

Cancer survivors and supporters joined to participate in the North Raleigh/Wake Forest Relay for Life held last Friday and Saturday at Wakefield High School.

Fifty-one teams helped raise $135,644 for the American Cancer Society.

Walkers stayed on the track throughout the night, even through rain and temperatures in the 40s.

While some huddled in their tents, children and teens played games and talked throughout the night.

“One of the neatest things is to see the young people who were so joyful and excited,” said Maggie Revelo, captain of the Heritage Elementary School team.

Heritage Elementary’s team sold doughnuts to raise $1,400 before the event. Revelo said she was sure they would reach their goal of $2,000.

“I’m so impressed with the overwhelming response of parents and students,” Revelo said.

Revelo said she was moved by the community effort to raise money for cancer research.

“The most exciting part for me is seeing the amount of people come together for one cause,” she said. “This is what it’s supposed to be like ... To see this event gives me hope.”

The Wake Forest Fire Department team raised the most money for the event, $13,296. This was their second year participating in Relay for Life.

“We did not set out to compete or make top moneymaker,” said Teresa Madden, captain of the fire department’s team. “When we saw the numbers on the computer, it was exciting.”

The fire department began participating in Relay for Life after its former chief, Jimmy Keith, died almost two years ago from cancer.

“Everybody working together, everybody participating makes it all worthwhile,” Madden said.