Mary Lardizabal, the director for the Kapaa Middle School choir and ukulele band, said she’s been doing the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for the past six years.
“It doesn’t get any easier,” she said after completing the Survivors Lap that opened the Relay for Life at the Hanapepe soccer fields. “I started bawling as I passed all those who cheer us on.”
Lardizabal was among the hundreds of people who converged at the Hanapepe soccer fields for the annual event that is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in its battle toward a world free from cancer.
“It’s the C word,” said Penny Vess, announced as the 2018 Ambassador of Hope for the Relay. “My story is one that even my family hasn’t heard because I held it to myself. But I told them it was all right because I took one for the team.”
Vess, who worked through the treatment for her cancer, acknowledged her daughter’s efforts as caregiver throughout her treatment, and beyond.
Labelled “The Game Changers,” the cancer survivors and legions of teams of supporters created a carnival-like atmosphere in the cool night air where people took time to celebrate survivors, remember those who lost their battle against cancer, and support efforts of the American Cancer Society to rid the world of cancer.
Wes Perreira of the Hawaii Foodbank, Kauai Branch, joined the group, accepting food contributions for disaster relief. Emcee Maka Herrod and George Thronas encouraged participants to visit the Big Save store for contributions if they did not have any.
Top fundraisers for the Relay include Kauai Coffee with more than $16,000 pledged, Walmart with more than $15,000, and the West Kauai Hongwanji Mission with nearly $14,000.
The American Cancer Society will host the Relay for Life North Shore on Aug. 12 from 3 to 11 p.m. at the Waioli Park in Hanalei.
Info: Patti Ragasa Ornellas, 246-0695
Mahalo to our volunteers who come together every year to celebrate and honor our survivors and caregivers. Mahalo Nui to Patti Ornellas for her continued leadership and guidance to the Event Leadership Team. Mahalo to everyone who came to the event this year!