The "People on Oncology Patrol" team gather as Orcas Relay for Life begins. From left, Candace Bodenhamer, Team Co-captain, Mia Kartinganer, Jody Linnes, Rachel Newcombe, Judy Bossert, Team Co-Captain Teri Nigretto, Kate Merrick, Patty Pearson, Kelly Boetger and Paula Tyler.
The Orcas Relay for Life began last night with an opening lap by cancer survivors in purple T-shirts as Ian Lister played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and Susan Osborn’s voice singing “Blackbird” rang across the field.
Then, to music live and recorded, the track at the high school athletic field has been peopled by walkers, alone and in groups, many of whom are team members and wear the event T-shirts proclaiming “Hope.”
Tents and booths circle the field, as do luminarias in honor of those who have struggled in the battle against cancer. The luminarias were lit at a midnight ceremony.
And in the middle of the night, groups of people of all ages continued to circle the track, laughing, talking and remembering.
The event will end today at 1 p.m. Noelle Benepe and Dyan Holmes have coordinated the event.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
