Relay For Life offers hope, optimism

Relay For Life is a fight against cancer and fighting cancer is a team effort..
That’s why over 200 participants will gather at the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach Saturday and Sunday to celebrate, remember, and represent hope as they team up and take turns walking around a designed course to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
The event’s opening ceremony begins at noon Saturday and will be followed with the survivor lap and the caregiver lap. The 18-hour walk is from noon Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.
At sunset Saturday, a luminaria ceremony will pay tribute to those who have faced the disease. Luminaria bags with candles can be purchased by a general donation at the luminaria tent until 7 p.m. The tents will supply crayons and markers for decoration purposes, while some participants further personalize the bags with a photo of the honored.
At 7:15 p.m., the track will be cleared of all walkers to prepare for the luminaria bag lighting. Then, at 7:30 p.m., after all the candles in the bags have been lit, all participants and onlookers will be asked to join trackside and remain standing in silence for a brief program honoring the victims and survivors alike.
When the moment of silence has ended, everyone will be asked to walk a lap with a lit candle to honor those who cannot walk.
“Being a survivor and knowing first hand the generosity of the American Cancer Society, I’m very proud to be a part of the Fort Myers Beach Relay For Life,” said cancer survivor and Beach resident Jesse Loudermilk. “It’s a wonderful thing to see so many people get together and raise awareness for such a worthy cause. We’re hoping this year’s event will be our biggest yet. Hopefully everyone can come out and walk a couple of laps for someone they know that’s been affected by cancer.”
Loudermilk is one of the founders for Team Rolobar, a group comprised of over 60 members including his mother, Rose; father, Jim; Diane Roby; and team captain Larry Roby. Team Robar has already exceeded its personal collections goal of $3,000 this year.
“When Jesse took the survivor lap walk last year, it was so overwhelming that it brought tears to my eyes,” said Rose Loudermilk. “But the underlying joy is that he is able to walk. The outpouring of love and support in this relay event is wonderful but it is also alarming because it shows how many people are afflicted. We are working around the clock to raise money to get cancer cured.”
Designed as a fun-filled overnight event to commemorate survivorship and raise money for research and programs for ACS, Relay for Life represents the hope that 1) those lost to cancer will never be forgotten; 2) those who face cancer will be supported; and 3) one day cancer will be eradicated.
According to Alisha Buesing – community representative for the American Cancer Society – the local event has raised more than $240,000 over the past three years. Since September, ACS has treated 351 newly diagnosed patients in Lee County and has provided 204 round trips to the doctors’ offices for cancer patients who are unable to drive themselves to treatment.
“One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime,” said Buesing. “The funds raised at Relay save lives by funding cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. It is because of your involvement that we are able to save lives, help those battling cancer, and empower all to fight back against the disease.”
The history of Relay For Life
Nearly 24 years ago, Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma wanted to raise money for his local American Cancer Society by running marathons. The colorectal surgeon decided to spend a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound. For more than 83 miles and throughout the night, friends join Klatt and paid $25 apiece to run or walk 30 minutes with him. While he circled the track, Klatt thought about how others could take part and envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later, he formed a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
Upcoming events
Here is a list of five local Relay For Life events that will take place in Lee County.
n April 17 Fort Myers
n April 24 North Fort Myers
n April 25 Lehigh Acres
n May 1 Downtown Fort Myers
n May 8 East Fort Myers
Today, more than three million Americans participate in Relay events nationwide. If interested in joining a team or donating to ACS, go to www.relayforlife.org/fortmyersbeachfl. Come witness the strength of people coming together for a common cause.