Relay for Life celebrates its 25th year, raises over $13,000

Photo courtesy of Erin Day

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Princess Kayla Mickelsen (second from left), walks with her mom. Princess Maryn Cella is in the stroller being pushed by her mom. Mickelsen was an infant when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She is now a vibrant toddler who remains cancer free. Cella was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in June.

by Erin Day

St. John the Baptist Parish

DRAPER — Not even lightening, rain, or wind could damper the enthusiasm of the walkers and volunteers at the first Draper Relay for Life held at Juan Diego Catholic High School Aug. 14 and 15.

Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, celebrated it’s 25th year. Relay for Life is symbolic of the fight against cancer. The start of the event symbolizes the diagnosis. As the evening and night go on, and the participants get tired and cold, they reflect on the journey that a cancer patient goes through. With the sunrise, comes renewed hope of a cure.

In it’s first year, the Draper event hosted 13 teams, 161 participants and raised over $13,000.

Luminary bags honoring those who have fought cancer and memorialized those who lost the battle, were placed around the track. As darkness fell, a touching video tribute to the people whose lives have been changed by cancer was shown to the crowd, who then placed lights in the bags. The lights burned throughout the night and provided illumination for the walkers.

There were many highlights of throughout the night. The Mr. Relay contest had brave men, dressed as women, competing for the title of Mr. Relay. The band, Molly Drive, provided live music that energized the participants. The silent auction provided a chance to bid on items donated by generous community businesses and all night movies helped keep walkers and supporters alike awake.

Each team held fundraisers throughout the evening at their campsites selling items such as glow sticks, tee shirts, treat bags, and buttons. Other teams provided bounce houses and games for the children.

Before the beginning of the Relay, a Survivor Dinner was held in Saint John the Baptist Parish. The attendees were introduced to the evenings "princesses", two beautiful little girls whose lives have been touched by cancer. Kayla Mickelsen was just an infant when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She is now a vibrant toddler who remains cancer free. Maryn Cella was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in June. Her family and friends are raising money to send her out of state for treatment. The have set up a website.

For information or to offer a donation, visit www.marynshope.org.