REACHING OUR GOAL

Soroptimist of Sequim joined the two Soroptimist clubs in Port Angeles for The American Cancer Society sponsored Relay For Life. We were initially contacted in December and asked if we would once again participate in the annual event. The board was approached and Casey Murphy eagerly agreed to co-chair our team. Blake Sand and Gravel sponsored us and paid our registration fee.

It wasn’t difficult to have 17 members sign up to walk during the 24 hour event. We had a Soroptimist walking on the track during the entire marathon. We blended our walk schedule with the Port Angeles teams and it was a wonderful success. Fortunately, this year the weather was cooler and we even had a little rain. We had tents, and our Soroptimist banner which cheered on the participants. Jeri Bawden had our banner made – pictured with this article – note it reads: “Band Together to Fight Cancer”. We sold bandanas to lend with the Western theme of this year’s event.

Marsha Robin from the morning (Jet Set) club stayed on site during the entire 24 hour marathon. Her enthusiasm and energy was contagious. It was delightful to meet the members from the Port Angeles clubs. We shared a wonderfully moving experience particularly with the luminiars. That contemplative walk (in silence once the lights are turned off around the track), when the candles are lit is truly a moving experience.

The bags are decorated with pictures and only limited by the imagination of those that lovingly created them. It is a celebration for those that have overcome cancer and in remembrance of those that have left us. The Survivors Walk leaves me in awe as the cancer survivors join hands rejoicing in the spirit of encouragement and understanding.

A very special thank you to Casey Murphy for her help organizing the walk schedule and attending the monthly Relay meetings in Port Angeles. Our club representatives were: Sherry Schubert, Susie Bliven, Dale Simon, Gail Frick, Sandy Reed, Cindy Bidegary, Sally Sue Barry, Annie Knight, Betty Osborn, Nanc Smith, Leah Tuttle, Ann Salmon, Brenda Dunlap, Kate Creasy, Sharon Vera, and Megan O’Donnell.

Our club has now collected $3,300.00 in donations for the fight against cancer. Your generosity will enable the American Cancer Society to direct more funds to the important work of research, education, advocacy and patient services. Thank you all for making this an overwhelming success!

Colleen Blazier
Relay For Life Co-Chair