Rain didn’t douse Relay for Life
CHRISTINE RUPP — Sentinel Staff WriterArticle Photos
FAIRMONT - Saturday's storms may have dampened the ground, but they couldn't dampen the spirits of those participating in the Relay for Life.
Despite heavy winds, rain and lightning during the day and into the early evening on Saturday, the Martin County Relay for Life went on as scheduled, although in a slightly different location.
"We decided to move it all in," said relay chairwoman Darla Lytle as she surveyed the packed Martin County Arena at the county fairgrounds.
All 23 teams, plus the band and the luminaries, were moved into the arena at the fairgrounds, as opposed to holding the relay outside near the bandstand.
The decision was made to move the relay into the arena at about 3 p.m. Saturday, Lytle said, after law enforcement called her and told her Martin County was under a severe flood warning.
"We were hoping that it would blow over, but ...," she said, trailing off.
However the location didn't seem to matter much to the numerous people in attendance who packed the arena. All 23 teams that were scheduled to appear at the relay made it, Lytle said, which amounted to about 287 walkers.
The costumes, lights and upbeat atmosphere that so often mark the relay were still evident as teams displayed their themes and sold items to help raise money for the cause.
By Sunday afternoon, the relay had brought in $78,000 in donations, Lytle said, short of this year's goal of $90,000. However, donations will still be accepted until August, she said.
The inclement weather meant the public showing at the relay was a bit less than in past years, Lytle said.
"With the rain like that, we're very happy with this (amount)," she added.
The rain didn't keep walkers like Lola Talledge away, though.
Talledge, of Fairmont, has been participating in the Relay for Life at least 10 years. She's also a cancer survivor, having fought breast cancer in 1986 and lymphedema - a complication of having lymph nodes removed - in 1999.
She knew the relay wouldn't be rescheduled or canceled.
"It'd be too hard to change the date with so many people," she said.
The relay's usual outside atmosphere is nice, she said, but if it can't be outside, it still goes on.
"I'd rather be outside, but it's wonderful the facility is here and available," said Joy Pollock of Fairmont.
Pollock participates in the Relay for Life to honor her two sisters, who are both breast cancer survivors.
"It's a great time to celebrate their lives," she said. "It's kind of a family thing for us."
David Janssen walks in memory of his father, who died after being diagnosed with lung, brain and bone cancer.
For him, the relay means working toward a cure by raising money to help with research.
He also watches for familiar names on the luminaries that line the track.
"It really hits hard when you walk and look at all the luminaries," he said.
Janssen, who is from Sherburn, wasn't aware that the storms that hit Fairmont were more severe than the rain Sherburn received until he drove to the fairgrounds at about 5 p.m. Saturday.
He thought turnout for the event was still good, despite the weather, and the change of venue seemed to work.
Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, was a guest speaker, and while she was getting ready to leave for the relay, her husband suggested she make sure it was still going to be held.
"I said, 'Nah, this is a hardy bunch,'" Rosen said.
Rosen, a member of the Health and Human Services Committee, praised the relay participants for doing their part to raise awareness and funds.
She also highlighted the state's Freedom to Breathe Act, which will help reduce lung cancer.
During her speech, Rosen said the state is currently addressing affordable, accessible health care, predicting that if the state doesn't do something about health care costs, it will be paying $57.3 billion for health care by the year 2015.
