Relay for Life again a big draw

By JOE L. HUGHES II
The Gaffney Ledger
joe@gaffneyledger.com

There may not be an "official" Cherokee County fair, but those traveling along Old Georgia Highway on Friday night who saw the activity at the Timken Track likely thought there was one.
With traffic backed up as much as a mile and the aroma of fried flounder, hot dogs and funnel cakes floating in the air, scores made their way to the site to make a statement: Cancer would no longer cast a shadow over them or their household.
Annually one of the county's biggest events, this year's Relay for Life festivities did not disappoint, honoring those who lost their battle to the disease, strengthening those currently fighting it and cancer survivors serving as pillars of strength and examples that a cancer diagnosis does not equate to a death sentence.
"I'm so happy this many people came out here," said Relay for Life of Cherokee County income manager Harlan Thompson. "Cancer has affected each of them in some way and we're glad all of them are out here in support of 'celebrating more birthdays.'"
The theme for this year's Relay for Life fundraiser was “American Cancer Society: The Official Sponsor of Birthdays.”
Relay for Life of Cherokee County is known for the many unique means of raising money during the event, with everything being sold from hot dogs, pizza, and hamburgers to fish, peanuts and turkey legs, all used to garner support for a cause that has touched them all in some form or fashion.
"I know there are some who are seeing me dance and wonder, 'What is that crazy woman doing?'" said local resident Allison Herndon. "But guess what? I'm going to continue to dance ... I'm out here to support my husband and his fight against cancer."
Nearly two years ago, Herndon's husband, Blair, was diagnosed with the disease after doctors found two tumors on his brain.
"They found two tumors on the front of his brain in December of 2008, diagnosing him with a Stage 4 form of cancer, basically terminal," she said. "He's been through several rounds of chemotherapy, which have taken quite a toll."
Despite a grave prognosis which included him being given six months to live, the local resident continues to fight, using what his wife describes as "a mere will to live" and the opportunity to enjoy time with his grandson.
"A lot of people are quick to have a pity party when diagnosed with cancer; not him though," Allison Herndon said. "He's still fighting and I'm very proud; honestly it's a testament to faith and prayer. His grandson of course is his inspiration, and he regularly says he is going to do what it takes to beat this so he can continue to enjoy life with our grandson."
Relay for Life's roots were sown by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., colorectal surgeon, who decided to personally raise money for his local American Cancer Society (ACS) by participating in one of his hobbies — running marathons.
In 1985, the surgeon spent 24 hours circling the Baker Stadium track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. That night he raised $27,000 to fight cancer, as friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him.
Dr. Klatt's efforts have since far exceeded anything he could have dreamed of, raising billions of dollars for cancer research and becoming the ACS's premier fundraising effort.
Thousands of dollars were raised during local Relay festivities this year, though final figures will not be available for some time.