Annual Relay For Life Draws Hundreds to Dixon May Fair Grounds

Windy weather did not dampen the spirits of 317 volunteers as they gathered at 9 a.m. Saturday, for the 2012 Relay For Life at the fair grounds in Dixon.

Many participants clad in shorts and T-shirts braved the wind gusts, which at times reached above 20 miles per hour as they made their way quietly around a walkway.

For young and old alike the 24-hour event means showing their support for those suffering from cancer and paying homage to those who have lost the fight.

“We have about the same amount of teams as last year,” said Sandy Smotherman, event coordinator. “I think that people that have been here before really enjoy it and they know what it's all about and it continues to get bigger.”

She added donations in the morning had already exceeded the amount collected last year at the same time.

As of 10 a.m., donations totaled $39,000 and Smotherman hoped they would reach $100,000 before the 24-hour walk was over.

For those who attended, there was plenty to do including silent auctions and raffles. There was even a group of people who danced as track walkers went by.

“We always have a dinner for the survivors and a guest,” Smotherman said. “Because it is all about the survivors. They have a Bingo game and the dinner. We ask everybody to get donations of at least $100 so then they get their T-shirts to wear.”

Throughout the day, walkers from 35 teams took turns circling the walkway. Some wore costumes; others were pulled in carts and others, such as the members of the team simply wore shorts, pink T-shirts, shoes and helmets.

Add to that, there were also themed walks including a Tutu walk.

But the event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society wasn't just about walking. Several booths set up by relay teams next to the walking area featured food, health advice and soaps. The wind however did play some havoc with awnings as they were literally whipped around. Some awnings even collapsed.

“The jail collapsed,” Smotherman said.

At the Don't Give Up Booth, Kacee Boykin, 38, of Dixon said she has had people in her family that have died from cancer and some that have survived as well.

“My girlfriend started her team and then I got interested and started my own,” she said. “Our theme is with the hot air balloon and means they go up and don't give up.”

At the Legacy of Hope Booth, Cathy Alcocer-Lavalle, 56, of Dixon, sold cup cakes and other tasty items all donated by local businesses.

“Once again our goal is to raise funds for cancer research so we can find a cure,” she said. “We have a lot of survivors in my family and we have had a lot who have lost the battle but we continue to fight every day.”

As the daylight waned and the temperature cooled, event attendees were treated to a Power Point Presentation that displayed pictures of those who had survived and those who had lost their fight. A show of luminaries had also been scheduled.

“I am giving back to the community and helping other people,” Boykin said. “The research is for all cancers not just one independent cancer. So I want to help anyone I can.”

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