By Vicki Brown
Cancer survivors and their caregivers and families were celebrated on Friday June 4 during the community’s annual Relay for Life, is a national event that honors cancer survivors, remembers cancer victims and raises money for cancer research.
Jessica Cartrette, a cancer survivor herself, is the Relay coordinator for Colleton. This year, the event was held at the outdoor amphitheater in Walterboro and included music with a carnival atmosphere. Games were set up for players to win prizes.
Later that night, luminary bags were set out with a glow stick inside. The scene was beautiful and poignant as names appeared on the screen of those who have succumbed to cancer in Colleton. Inside the Walterboro Wildlife Center, and in honor of those who have fought cancer, the Blood Connection was set up for residents to give much needed blood.
“The day has been slow,” said Heather Genereux of the Blood Connection. “There is a much-needed donation of O negative blood.”
Colleton resident and local law enforcement officer Billy Tindal came to Relay and also donated blood.
“Giving at Relay was much more meaningful…it’s a little more personal giving here in the community,” said Tindal.
Sponsors of the Relay for Life event were J.H. Hiers Construction, LLC, Knights of Columbus Council 8502, Estill Gas of Walterboro, Forever Framed Photography, Walterboro Rental and Equipment, Just Luv Music, Buckhead United Methodist Church, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, REV Federal Credit Union, Bank of the Lowcountry, Autoglass Masters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority ,Inc., Timmy Hiott Trucking and Super Pink.
