Times News Newspaper
June 1, 2009
Palmerton Relay for Life nears $1 million goal in fight to beat cancer
By TERRY AHNER tahner@tnonline.com
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TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS Cancer survivor Karen Easterday (standing) of Danielsville pushes her sister and fellow cancer survivor Fern Brazes (sitting) of Walnutport around the track at the Palmerton High School athletic field as part of the Relay For Life at Palmerton and Surrounding Communities on Saturday.
Sisters by birth, Karen Easterday and Fern Brazes also share another common thread.
Both are cancer survivors, and both plan to fight the wretched disease with every ounce of courage in their fibers.
Albeit by different means, the sisters took their laps around the track Saturday afternoon during the Relay for Life of Palmerton and Surrounding Communities.
The 24-hour event continued into Sunday morning at Palmerton High School's athletic field.
In all, there were 463 Luminarias, 643 participants, and 225 survivors, according to event chairman/chairwoman Marie Livengood.
The theme of this year's event, which marked Relay for Life's 25th anniversary nationally, was "A Million Reasons to Celebrate".
When all was said and done, the event raised $113,000. That, coupled with proceeds donated by the Palmerton Fire Co. No. 1 courtesy of its fourth annual firefighters carnival which was held Thursday through Sunday in the borough park, means the committee is less than $5,000 shy of the $158,000 needed in order to reach the $1 million goal, Livengood said.
"It is not out of reach," Livengood said. "Since funds can still be turned in up until August 31st, we are determined to make this happen!"
Livengood said contributions can continue to me made through online donations, mail, or participants of the event.
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TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS Members of the Friends of the Fight relay team gather at an insignia in honor of Relay for Life's 25th anniversary nationally.
"Every penny we raise and every word that we say at Relay For Life makes a difference," she said. "It provides HOPE to all those who have been affected by cancer and inspires everyone to reach for a CURE."
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TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS Members of the Ray of Hope relay team display their obstacle course. Pictured relay team members are (front row, l-r) Hannah Devonshire, 3, Summit Hill, Emily Devonshire, 8, Summit Hill, Catlan Guinn, 9, Summit Hill, (middle row) Kristi Seiler, 15, Palmerton, (back row, l-r) Denise Koons, Palmerton, Bonnie Green, Palmerton, and Paula Seiler, Slatington.
Livengood said Relay for Life is about coming together in the fight against cancer, as well as a time to remember those lost to the disease and to celebrate those who have survived.
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TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS Steph Demkovitz (standing) of Palmerton works with teammate Amy Bloss of New Tripoli in the Fill the Bottle contest.
"I am honored to have served the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life this year," she said. "Thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way."
Teams fundraise all year long in support of the event. Last year's event raised $145,000. That topped the $137,380 that was raised In 2007, as well as the $138,200 that was raised in 2006.
Palmerton's Relay for Life – the only of its kind in Carbon County – was one of 217 community and collegiate events that raised $21.1 million statewide in 2007.
The first Relay For Life event was held in 1985 in Tacoma, Wash., by Dr. Gordy Klatt, and is the nation's largest overnight, 24-hour, nonprofit walk event designed to involve the entire community in cancer education, increase awareness of the mission of the American Cancer Society and its advocacy efforts, and to learn about programs and services available to cancer patients, their caregivers and families.
A two-time cancer survivor, Easterday, 51, of Danielsville, knows all too well the challenges that stand before others afflicted by the same ailment.
Initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, Easterday said she had no idea what to expect once she learned of her situation.
"I got by thanks to my family and friends the firs time," Easterday said. "I was only 39 years old at the time, and I didn't know anybody who had it."
Just when she thought she had the dreaded disease defeated, Easterday was diagnosed with another form of the disease in 2002.
Fortunately for her, she met a handful of others who experienced a similar set of circumstances.
"When I went for radiation, I met five people, and from that point, we got together once a month," she said. "I'm doing fine; I met a lot of nice people, but it's not something you want to have."
As a result, Easterday said she's learned not to take anything for granted.
"Every day is a blessing," she said. "Get everybody to put a smile on your face to get through the day."
Despite her condition, Easterday said she often amazes others who appear surprised by her cheery demeanor.
"People say, 'why are you always smiling'", she said. "I say 'why not'".
Much like her younger sister, Brazes, 55, of Walnutport, is also a cancer survivor.
Fully aware of the task at hand, Brazes said she's better able to cope with her situation in large part because of the commonality she shares with her sister.
"Just never put you head down," Brazes said. "People are wonderful."
The event began with an opening ceremony on Saturday. That was followed by a Parade of Teams, the Fight Back (which included the Parade of Teams), Celebrate (Survivors Celebration) & Remember (Luminaria Service) ceremonies.
Other attractions throughout the day included the Ms. Relay Contest, as well as games, food and beverages. Various tents were set up as well.
The event wrapped up Sunday with the closing ceremony, FIGHT BACK! Later, team and individual awards were also given out as well.
The top fundraising teams were Star Spangled Bankers, Pencor's Hope and Faith, and Freedom Strollers A.
Sandy Benson was again the top individual fundraiser, followed by Ann Behler and Ray Attewell.
The top youth fundraiser was Jessica Kroboth, and the top Online Fundraiser was Natalie Eckhart.
The Pack the Track Award - awarded to those teams who had at least one individual that walked on the track at all of the 15 random checkpoint times throughout the day and night - resulted in a tie between Pencor's Hope and Faith and Ray of Hope.
