Thousands Walk to Fight Cancer

Just as the sun was starting to set on the Friday evening, crowds poured through the gates. An estimated 15,000 people filled the fields. Not for a concert or fair, but to take a stand against cancer at Gwinnett’s Relay for Life.

Linda Story of the American Cancer Society said there were 335 teams participating, making it the largest Relay for Life Event in the world.

“Tonight’s event is really a culmination of many, many months of hard work and raising funds and awareness against cancer,” said Story.

Schools, churches, local businesses and organizations set up tents and booths along the path. The groups raised money by holding events throughout the year. And they continued to collect cash at the Relay by running carnival-type games, selling food and more.

Two of the top fundraisers at the time of Friday’s Relay were North Gwinnett High School and Norcross High School. North Gwinnett raised just over 65,000 dollars. But Norcross was not far behind with 63,000 dollars.

Amy Hayes, team captain for Norcross HS, the top fundraiser for the past six years, said she has had fun with the North Gwinnett competition this year because it encourages the kids to earn even more for the cause. "The Norcross students just love to do stuff for the community," she said. "Their parents have taught them that." 

She said that many are there for the excitement of the day--but her most serious students often have a personal connection with cancer. Many students who were in band at Pinckneyville Middle School lost a band director, Troy Hanson, so the band group relays for him. 

The Norcross students were also proud of their camp this year, which included a cutout castle that was 20 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Medieval Times got involved with the team this year, donating some costumes to go along with the theme. 

A police escort and South Gwinnett’s marching band officially kicked things off, leading survivors around the path in a sort of “victory lap.”

“Thirteen years and still fighting!” Theresa Domain of Buford proudly shouted.

Supporters like Carolyn Burkes also laced up and hit the track.

“I’m walking because my dad, he’s a survivor of prostate cancer, and my best friend is a survivor of breast cancer, and my step-mom is a survivor of breast cancer.”

One of the highlights of the night was the “.” Thousands of pairs of purple medical gloves were handed out to the participants. The crowd was lead in a hand dance byMothers and Daughters Against Cancer. They performed a similar dance last year and it was aYouTube hit.

“The Gwinnett community is the world’s largest event and the most passionate community that are truly dedicated in coming together to stand up against this devastating disease,” added Story.