Relay for Life

Every year Tiger Stadium pulls in hundreds of people as it hosts Centralia's Relay for Life. Relay for Life is a fundraiser to raise funds to research cancer, as well as awareness of cancer. This year proved no different. The stands were packed and people were marching on the Stadium's Track, walking off mile by mile against cancer. A highlight of this phenomenal event is the "Luminaria Ceremony" at 11 p.m. Pastor Mark Fast from the Community Church of God led people in prayer as vast amounts of candles were lit around the Tiger Stadium's Track. These candles represent people who have died of cancer and are missed by family and friends, as well as people who are still fighting or have beaten cancer. After this ceremony, the track becomes silent until the next morning. Several people walk the track throughout the night, remembering their loved ones and hoping for a cure to be found. It is truly a indescribable event.

Kathy Goodman, a recent Centralia College Graduate, was a first time attendee at this event. Her reasons for being at Relay for Life this year was "to help people with cancer, help fight it!" Her resolve was unshaken as she walked 1000th rounds between 5 and 10 p.m. as well as Saturday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Kathy received a medal for her efforts at Relay for Life. She found out about Relay for Life through friends who are now cancer-free and her group were called the Royal Knights. She had a lot of fun at the event and will surely be part of it again next year. Kathy promised to be at every Relay for Life from now on. She is determined to help.