Carroll County Relay for Life Carroll County Relay for Life was held Friday and Saturday despite intermittent rain and warnings. The opening of the event, including a prayer, singing of the National Anthem, Survivors' Walk, and balloon release, all took place before the rain. The survivors carry stars indicating how many years they have been a cancer survivor. After their lap around the track, they pose for a group photo. Comet photos by Jennifer Archibald Carroll County Relay for Life persevered, despite the rain on Friday night and Saturday.

The annual event, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, is held on and around the Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School track.

At 8 p.m. Friday, a weather warning was issued. At that point, everyone might have scurried to their vehicles and left. But instead, most participants stayed, and waited out the weather in the Carroll gym. Others arrived later to attend the postponed Luminaria Ceremony at 10:30 p.m. There were 150 lunimaria in honor of or in memory of loved ones.

Seventeen teams participated this year. New teams were the Pink Flamingos, Indiana Packers, and Curves.

Survivors Walk Pictured giving each other support as they walk are (l-r) Carol Spesard and Carol Wilson. Nearly 50 cancer survivors attended the event, and most walked the Survivors' Lap Friday evening.

Fundraising begins long before the event. This year's efforts raised a total of $22,000, with more money to be accepted through August.

The top three teams in fundraising were: Pink Flamingos, $4,500; St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center, $3,253; and Delphi Community High School FFA, $1,700. The FFA also assisted at the event.

The Team Spirit Award went to Friends for a Cure. The judging committee said, "This team comes out year after year and portrays what Relay is all about, with a great attitude, fun on-site activities, and a team that wants to find a cure for cancer. They have fun, rain or shine, they participate in all the games and challenges, and they find creative ways to raise funds every year. "

Two members of the Friends for a Cure team, calling themselves the Hawaiian Twins, entered the "Miss"ter Relay Contest and won (by collecting the most funds that night). The "twins" were Cameron Harl and Jake Uerkwitz.

The Indiana Packers team was named Rookie Team of the Year, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare won the award for Best Campsite. The site was based on this year's theme, "Surfin' for a Cure." The campsites were judged by Dave Falkenberg from Shine 99, who had live remotes at the event.

Audrey Eaker from the Curves team won the award for Most Laps Walked. She walked an estimated 20 miles throughout the event.

As much as possible, representatives from different teams walked on the track throughout the night on Friday and until closing on Saturday. Some brave souls (considering the weather) stayed all night in their tents.

Some Saturday morning activities were cancelled, including the Relay Idol contest, but the Burlington Kiwanis breakfast and the frozen T-shirt contest took place as planned.

This was the seventh annual Relay for Life in Carroll County. Major sponsors this year were Indiana Packers, Joan Abbott Real Estate, Helms Lawn Care, Brewster Insurance, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Lafayette Bank & Trust, First Financial Bank, Dick Krieg, and Shine 99.

Committee members were: Shawna Dreadfulwater, chairman; Tina Miller, co-chairman; Lisa Morrow, registration; Karen Guckien, luminaria; Dan Calvin, logistics; Pam Miller, concessions; Ramona Ogle, entertainment; Troy Bowers, DJ/music; Heather Dunk, Connie Climer, and Stacy Brooks, team development; Tammy Shirels, survivorship; and Sandy Chapin, American Cancer Society community representative.

"We want to thank the Carroll County community for stepping up once again for a great cause," Chapin said. "We will be planning post event fundraisers and continuing to collect money all the way through Aug. 31. We have a goal of $35,000 in Carroll County, and this committee is determined to reach it."

For more information, to donate money, or to join the committee, contact Chapin at 765-455-9905 or sandra.chapin@cancer.org.