Many teams to "walk the walk" in Orcas Relay for Life this weekend

"Pagan Party Girls" -- one of the teams participating in the 2nd Orcas Relay for Life this weekend. Pictured are Ethna Flanagan and Sadie Bailey in front, and Alana Leeper, Bernie Jameson, Becky Vinson, Marta Nielson, Anne Ford McGrath, Gina Benepe, Barbara and Samantha.

Members of the Orcas Island community, like the “Pagan Party Girls,” pictured at right, have come forward to form relay teams in the fight against cancer. They will be walking the track around the high school athletic field on Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The American Cancer Society reports that the Relay for Life of Orcas Island is “a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at the Orcas High School field and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

“Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

For more information on contributing to the Orcas Relay for Life, contact Dyan Holmes at 317-6992 or Noelle Benepe at 298-27154.

The money raised is used in the fight against cancer both locally and nationally. Local services include the “Look Good…Feel Better” and “Road to Recovery of San Juan” county programs. Fundraising efforts help develop and maintain on-going research and educational service available online at www.cancer.org.