2012 Relay for Life a success

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

The 2012 Bamberg County Relay for Life was held Friday night at Leon Maxwell Stadium. This year’s event began with the expressed goal of surpassing last year’s fund raising effort of $55,000 by raising $56,000. According to event Co-Chair Mollie Jo Brandemuehl, as of Monday morning, this year’s event has raised a total of $52,265.58 so far.

“And it’s not finished yet,” Brandemuehl said, adding the event that featured 14-teams started out “a little shaky” at first but “turned out really well.” The event co-chair noted the event had a “carnival like atmosphere” and included a good group of survivors. “I’m really very happy,” she said.

This year’s Bamberg County Relay for Life started shortly after 7:00 pm with the survivors walk followed by the caregivers walk, and supper, which was held under pleasant, early spring like conditions, with a bright warm sun setting in the west. Throughout the evening, team members walked around the track at Leon Maxwell Stadium fellowshipping with each other, while listening to music and enjoying a variety of food, games and other activities around the field.

As darkness fell over the stadium, the luminaries honoring those that have died of cancer or who are survivors of cancer were lit; and the names of people who have survived cancer and those that have succumbed to the disease were read over the intercom as walkers walked in solemn silence around the track in remembrance of their loved ones.