REBECCA CARRASCO

PHOTO: The St. James Parish Hospital’s Cathy Rizzuto and Clance Bourgeous are swinging for a cure at Saturday’s Relay for Life. (Staff Photo by Rebecca Carrasco) How do hope, progress, and answers become realities for the American Cancer Society? By such events as the second annual Relay for Life at Lutcher High School in St. James Parish held April 7. Funds raised will go for the continuation of cancer research, the development of new prevention and detection programs and the continuation of patient support programs. This year’s gala brought in $102,000 which exceeded last year’s amount of $92,000. Dennis St. Pierre, St. James Parish coordinator, said “Wow, in a community that has economic problems…you just can not help but be proud …everybody came out.” This year there were 601 members in 48 teams with tribute going to the best individual, individual team, and corporate team that raised the most money for cancer awareness. For Best Individual, the award was given to Holly Martin, 8, a cancer survivor, who raised $1,300. For Best Individual Team, it was given to Theresa Roussel, and the “Last Wish” team which brought in $7,700. The Corporate Award was given to IMC Phosphates, who had 30 team members and raised $200 per team member. During the Luminary Ceremony, a celebration of life slide show was given to commemorate those community members who were lost to cancer. St. Pierre said, “there was not a dry eye during the event presentation.” But with pain there is healing and hope that tomorrow will be better than today.