Hope walkers

Relay For Life commemorates 20th year

MOSES LAKE - Pink. Hugs. Purple. Hope.

All of these could be seen in great abundance before, during and after the opening ceremony of Moses Lake's 20th annual Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society Friday evening at the Moses Lake High School track.

Survivors and supporters of all ages joined together for the event, which began Friday at 6:30 p.m. and continued through noon Saturday.

Prior to the opening ceremony, event chair Terry Moore said 90 teams and 1,100 team members had registered to participate in the event.

"We just have a lot of people this year, a lot more teams," she said, noting there would be more walkers than those who had registered. "I think a lot of it is because of the compassion people feel. There's a lot of people that have cancer in Moses Lake. I think there's more awareness, they know what it is."

The event was a fund-raiser with a goal of $170,000, to raise money for cancer research and such programs as Look Good … Feel Better, Road to Recovery Service Program and Camp Goodtimes, Moore added.

"Working together, we can make a difference," she said.

Moore invited Atlanta, Ga.-based musician Tom Willner to perform Friday and Saturday after he wrote a song for the American Cancer Society, "Celebrate," and she tracked him down.

"Having been to a lot of different relays, this one was a very nice size and a lot of people, but not overly crowded or anything, and people having a good time," Willner said. "A really well-done event. It was very nice. I feel like the Moses Lake community is now an extension of my home."

Dale Roth said it was the 20th year his Dale Roth Productions provided music for the relay.

"Probably the best weather yet," he said with a laugh. "Weather's always a plus, people are great. It's always great to see family and friends."

"I've always thought about this for years and after having cancer and being a survivor, I did it last year and (decided), 'Well, I'm going to be more a part of it this year,'" explained Moses Lake resident Steve Shinn of his involvement. "I think it's very important to promote for cures for cancer, because every cancer's different. There's no magic bullet for my cancer, but it's stabilized. I'm just going to go from there, and being with the other survivors. It's really surprising how many people have had cancer in the community, how they've survived and continue to survive."

It was Moses Lake resident and cancer survivor Barbara Knopp's first year at the event.

"I didn't realize there were so many people that participated in it, to be honest with you," she said. "It's always good to come out and do what you can to support and donate to hopefully come up with a cure for cancer. There's a lot of children I know for a fact who have had cancer and it would be nice to see more done and a way of treatments that maybe are not so invasive. Some of the treatments can be quite painful."

Victor Ottmar was in attendance because he is a survivor of cancer since 1996.

"I feel great," he said. "I come every time, I haven't missed one yet. I enjoy it. I look forward to it. The fun, and the relationships. People talk to you, and everybody's happy because they're well."

Ottmar recommended prayer.

"Pray a lot," he said. "That's what I did, and you walk away from it."

Moses Lake resident Margo Myers is a survivor, and was also in attendance for her first time.

"It's a little bit more than I was expecting, I didn't expect all the fun little booths and the survivors' walk was amazing," Myers said. "I think people should really know this is an amazing cause and it's something everybody should participate in. Everyone is connected to cancer in some way, whether it be themselves, a parent, a grandparent, a cousin, a sister. This is a cause really worth doing."

Marilyn and Larry Jackson have been participating for five years because Larry is a survivor.

Larry said the couple is drawn to the camaraderie of the event.

"The camaraderie of all of the people who have had cancer and licked it," Marilyn agreed.

"It's worth it," Larry said.

As events drew to a close Saturday morning, Moore said $132,000 and counting had been raised, but funds can still be donated through Aug. 31.

"I think it went well, I think everybody had a great time," Moore said.

The event went above expectations for Moore, who was chair for the first time this year.

"We raised more money so far last year, but overall, it's the fullest I've seen the track (in five or six years)," she said. "They never cease to surprise me."