Wabash Hosts 2008 Relay for Life
Wabash freshman Jacob Surface served as master of ceremonies for the 2008 Montgomery County Relay for Life, which benefits the American Cancer Society and was hosted by Wabash College. Surface's Theta Delta Chi team raised the most money of any Wabash team and the fifth highest overall — $2,328.00!
Wabash alumnus and campus physician John Roberts ’83 spoke to the crowd of more than 500 people. Roberts, who walked with the Athens Medical Group Relay for Life team, also talked about the excitement of a new Cancer Center, which will be built in Crawfordsville as part of St. Clare Medical Center.
The Relay for Life gets underway with the ceremonial Survivor's Walk. This year, over 150 cancer survivors took part in the Relay for Life. More than 180 Montgomery County residents were diagnosed with cancer in the last 12 months alone.
Bev Harpel, who works for the Crawfordsville Police Department and is a five-year breast cancer survivor, gave the charge to the cancer survivors at the annual event. Harpel is a long-time member of the Relay for Life organizing committee.
Cancer survivors young and old. Among the survivors who attended the Relay for Life were children under two years old and seniors over 80 years old. There was even one survivor present who had cancer surgery less than a month ago.
Crawfordsville Mayor Charlie Coons was on hand to give a welcome to the gathering. Instead, he took the time to tell the story of his wife's best friend's long battle with cancer, which was lost a month ago. Coons said the community needs to relay so children won't lose their parents to the terrible disease.
Cancer survivors celebrate the start of the Relay for Life with a ceremonial walk.
Cancer survivor Kathy Tobias smiles for the camera on her lap with fellow survivors.
Steve Miller of the American Cancer Society did much of the organization and planning for this year's Relay for Life, which Wabash hosted for the fifth straight year.
Survivors Jackie Loy and Jim Amidon take a leisurely lap during the ceremonial Survivor's Walk.
Hiding behind the camera is Julie Raters, wife of Associate Dean Mike Raters. Julie captained the Athens Medical Group team at this year's Relay for Life.