ANNA MONICA / L’Observateur / May 17, 2000

It was the best of times, and it was a reminder of the worst of times. Thatwas the highly successful Relay for Life to fight cancer event that took place May 6. The best of times were people enjoying camaraderie with old andnew friends, playing games, visiting the team campsites and the kids having fun on the entire East St. John Elementary School football field. The worst oftimes was remembering why so many of us were there – because either we, or someone we loved, have experienced cancer.

Mandy Vicknair and I were the speakers so I got there early – I thought.

Already, there were cars lined up in the lot and the entire stadium was abuzz with activity. Then I found out the activity had been going on since earlymorning; perhaps since even the day before. The tents were already up,people had their chairs out and everyone there seemed to know what they had to do and were doing it.

Judge Sterling Snowdy was busy at work. He had been since early thatmorning when he told the Zadains, “Just tell me what you want me to do.” Well, he was still doing it late into the night. He does it every year. That’s thekind of cooperation and involvement that makes an event like this really work. Of course, there were many others, but I just so happened to engage inconversation with Judge Snowdy. Parish President Nickie Monica, whoattended with his wife and children, addressed the crowd. Personally, Ibelieve it is a real plus to have involvement from our local officials. It sends apositive message to the people that those we elect think about us at times other than just elections. It’s a good thing!As I understand it, in most other parishes the local hospital sponsors this relay event, but for St. John Golden Eagle Security took over the primarysponsorship. Many “kudos” to Laura, Vic and Bobbie Zadain, owners, whoworked so hard trying to convince individuals and corporations to be a part of Relay for Life. From what I hear there was no one who witnessed orparticipated in the event that was not impressed or inspired.

Then came the moment of truth. The lighting of the luminaries. That momentthat would remind us of what we have in common – our humanity, our frailty, our susceptibility to diseases and disabilities the human body can experience, and also our strength. We have to be strong because just about all of ushave had loved ones suffer, somewhere, somehow. The lighting of theluminaries reminded us of our losses and our strength to help those who still live with cancer. The luminaries lined the entire track around the stadium andthen were doubled in some areas, each bearing the name of a person who had experienced cancer. I can tell you first-hand that to see your name writtenon a luminary causes a most thoughtful moment.

First the bagpipes played and were followed by several more penetrating, soulful musical selections.

It was a time for thoughtful contemplation, for remembering, for hoping.

Even though there had been so much activity throughout the evening, during this ceremony the silence was almost deafening. There were, however,sounds of tears being shed and a coming together of survivors, friends and relatives who joined in the common bond of sadness, care and concern, and because of events like this, hope.

I have to tell you what meant the most to me. It was the people who hadformed teams, who walked the track from 5 in the evening until 5 in the morning. All night long, team members were on the track. Children, parents,friends, cancer survivors, concerned citizens, all of them, walked and walked.

The action never ceased. Teen-agers who could find a whole lot more to do ona Saturday night faithfully stayed the course, and there were many of them.

One man had been walking for an hour and a half and wasn’t ready to stop. Isaw Za Maurin actually jogging and couldn’t count the number of times he had been around. Babies were being strolled, grandparents walked with grandkidsand everyone took their turn. That is what got to me. The motion wascontinuous, just as is the search for a cancer cure. What wonderful,wonderful people to do this. Most of them probably had to sleep all day thenext day, and I wish I could thank each of them personally.

This event was so well organized and benefitted such a great cause. I spoketo some people who were there for the first time and who were so impressed. They had no idea that the relay was such a large, well-receivedevent.

The American Cancer Society gets the money raised and it does the most in seeking a cure for cancer. With the continued help of the community, theRelay for Life can get larger and is larger now than when first started.

Whereas we still don’t have a cure, interest will surely pick up as more lives are affected by cancer. St. James Parish will have its first relay on June 10and we can certainly wish them success.

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