ABOUT 1,000 individuals, including cancer survivors, joined the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event Friday evening.
“This night shows what love and hope can do in the fight against cancer,” said Celia Mercado, chairwoman of the entertainment and activities committee.
Seventeen teams participated in the event held at the field of Hopwood Junior High School campus from 6 p.m. on Friday until 5:30 a.m. Saturday. Among the teams that participated were Koblerville Elementary School, Verizon, the Hyatt, DFS, Team Ahu, Team Pito, Tan Holdings, Team Bodig, Team Magi, Saipan International School, Whispering Palms School, Bank of Hawaii, PIC, Fashion Victims, Pacific Care, the Department of Public Health, and Light a Life volunteers.
Mercado said the event raised over $58,000. She said 60 percent of the amount raised will be used for the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fight cancer in the Pacific. The rest will be for research and for administrative costs.
Whispering Palms raised the most in the school category. Team Ahu topped the family category, while Verizon placed first in the corporate category. Saipan International School bagged two awards—for Most Laps and Most Spirit. DFS won the best tent award.
The recognition/victory lap capped this year’s Relay, as over 20 survivors walked around the 800-meter oval field of Hopwood.
The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands sponsored a “survivor’s dinner” after the victory lap.
The luminary ceremony followed. Hundreds of candles covered with white paper bags were lighted around the oval field. The candles were in memory and in honor of the survivors and those who died of cancer.
