Published: May 12, 2008 12:22 pm         

Relay for Life surpasses goal expectations

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The American Cancer Society got a considerable boost from this year’s North Jefferson Relay for Life event.

The ceremony, held on May 2 at the Gardendale soccer complex on Fieldstown Road, raised more than $46,800 that will benefit Hope Lodge, a facility that gives families of cancer patients a place to stay while receiving treatment. The goal of this year’s Relay for Life was $34,904. Last year’s event raised $26,500.

Stephanie Crabtree of the American Cancer Society said she was excited that the event exceeded its goal, but was just as excited about the enthusiasm displayed by the community.

“It was truly a north Jefferson event,” Crabtree said. “There was representation from Warrior, Mt. Olive, Fultondale, Gardendale and Morris.”

The storms that posed a potential threat led to a midnight closing to the event. Relay for Life normally begins at 6 p.m. and lasts through 6 a.m. Crabtree called it a good decision because rain moved into the area after 3 a.m.

Marilyn Walker, who served as chairman of the event, praised team participation. She said the goal was to have enough participants for 19 teams, but there were 22 teams at the event, comprised of about 250 team members.

Walker said generous sponsorship from Alabama Power, Physicians Medical Center, Wal-Mart, Webb Payroll, Compass Bank and Benefit Partners also helped to make the event a success.

She cited the presence of honorary chairman Alex Swader, an 8-year-old cancer patient from Mt. Olive, as one of the highlights of the event.

“To see a young person like that who is afflicted with this disease and have so much life in him was an inspiration to us all,” Walker said.

Swader performed with his dance troupe from Beverly Dance Unlimited, gave a brief speech and walked the opening survivor’s lap with Gardendale Mayor Kenny Clemons.

“I am having to take 30 weeks of chemo and it is no fun,” Swader said in his speech. “I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for helping raise money to help find a better way to cure cancer.”

Crabtree said there are several ways that residents can continue to donate to the Relay for Life effort. She said the fiscal year ends in August and contributions can still be made online at http://events.cancer.org/rflnorthjeffersonal.

Additionally, she said residents can also help the Hope Lodge by cooking meals or providing food for care givers who are staying at the facility.

A Relay for Life wrap-up meeting will be held next week. Crabtree said organizers will take a break over the summer and begin planning for next year’s event in the fall.

“It will be bigger and better next year,” Crabtree said.

Those interested in being a part of next year’s event can contact Rachna Chandora at rachna.chandora@cancer.org.

Residents who would like to contribute to help Alex Swader in his cancer fight can make deposits at Wachovia Bank or First American Bank where accounts are set up in his name.