The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
A successful Henderson County Relay for Life was held at the Union High School Track on July 26-27. A storm that moved through the area about 11 p.m. on Friday night sent a lot of walkers running for home, but there were a few hardy souls who toughed it out.
Friday evening began with opening remarks by Henderson Co. Relay Chairman Sandy Lefler. Boy Scout Troop #60, led by Ray Shafer, presented the Colors and Starr Robinson sang the National Anthem. A prayer was given by Rev. Jim Olsen.
Maureen Hammond and Laura Kent Donahue read the list of survivors and the relay began with those survivors walking the first lap, followed by a lap by their caregivers.
A special lap was walked for Betty Norris and a video with personal messages for her was made.
Before the lighting of the luminaries, bagpiper Steve Graham played several haunting melodies.
The luminaries were lighted at 9:30 p.m. totaling 312, a little shy of the 363 of their first year, but way over the 175 at the Warren-Henderson Relay the year before.
As they were lite, the names of those being honored and remembered were read. As each name was read, family members and loved ones began a lap around the track.
The Union High School Class of 1992 presented a special remembrance for their classmate, Chad Pierce, who lost his battle with leukemia.
Throughout the night, various contests and drawings were held. The highlight was the pajama lap held at 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
The Relay For Life Committe had chosen an Hawaiian theme for this year's event. It was a fun theme and was complete with grass skirts on some unlikely hula dancers.
The Cargill camp won first place in camp sites. It was set up in memory of Fred Cargill, a cancer victim. It featured a large Clock Tower with a "working" clock and chimes, to commemorate Fred's clock repair vocation. The "works" behind the clock were actually being done manually by Fred's family who would move the hands every hour and then would sound a chime or bell.
Saturday morning's events began at 7:00 a.m. with a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast served by Boy Scout Troop #60.
Closing ceremonies began at 9:00 a.m. with Sandy Lefler expressing her sincere appreciation for all those who became involved to make the Relay happen.
Rev. John B. Deal, of the Presbyterian parishes of Stronghurst and Media, gave the closing prayer, and everyone present walked a final lap to conclude the 2002 Henderson County Relay for Life.
Three-year-old Angie Rankin of Raritan waves as she enjoys taking part in the Survivors lap Friday evening during Henderson County's annual Relay For Life. Angie is the daughter of Mike and Nancy Rankin of Raritan. On February 26, 2001, Angie at 2, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, and in May last year, Raritan friends and many from neighboring communities around the county rallied together and raised over $25,700.
It was a tough fight, but now Angie is able to walk the survivors lap and her smile and wave says it all for her parents thanks, especially to those who help with the ongoing fight to find a cure!
Above, Angie is walking with other survivors, Mrs. Lowell (Jane) Mohr, Mrs. Delbert (Elizabeth) Rankin, and Mrs. Gene (Theresa) Fox.