Cancer survivors and caregivers march with determination in last Saturday’s Cancer Society Relay for Life. (CP Photo by Lisa Gattie)
In as much as cancer tears lives apart, the Caroline County Relay for Life was proof Saturday that cancer unifies and bonds people in ironclad ways.
Participants and supporters of this cause gathered at the Caroline County Fairgrounds to not only remember those who have succumbed to the disease, but to celebrate the lives of those who have kicked cancer to the curb.
“When they put your name on cancer, your perspective changes,” stated cancer survivor Del. Bobby Orrock. “Life itself is a day to day gift. We need to focus on the positive-on those who have survived.”
Orrock, who lost his wife to cancer, explained what was so apparent to all the teams at the relay, that nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in some way.
“It’s about hope, hard work, dedication, caring and financial resources that will continue the efforts of making cancer a thing of the past,” stated Orrock. Total fundraising amounted to $40K in monetary donations.
This year’s theme, “Team Caroline-All Together One” was chosen to represent how all of Caroline County’s teams have worked together for this cause. Just as every cancer is represented by a different color, each team was asked to choose a color that symbolized their team and to use that color to decorate their camp and use for their fundraisers throughout the year. By all the colors coming together for the event, the theme of the relay was achieved.
Perhaps the largest team in attendance was the Peumansend Creek Regional Jail’s team: Cell Blockers. With their bright green t-shirts and table decorations, this motivated group has been participating in the relay since 1999 when the jail was first established in Caroline County. This year’s drive was in memoriam of former employee Mary Janish, who died of pancreatic cancer March 29, 2014.
“With Mary, it just hit home,” stated Krista Barnes, team coordinator. “The whole staff came together and fundraised all year.”
Barnes elaborated on the numerous fundraising events that took place throughout the year, including penny wars, t-shirt sales, and in-memoriam signage.
“The signs help to remind ourselves that this is why we do what we do,” stated Barnes. “Our time is limited; we need to enjoy each other while we have the chance.”
Ney Hidalgo, team captain, was impressed with how the different departments at the jail bonded together to fight for the cause. “A lot of blood, sweat, and tears go into running the jail, but also to coordinate the relay,” stated Hidalgo. “We have a responsibility to the people.”
This responsibility for the employees at the jail is twofold. Not only are they dedicated to supporting and bettering those who are held there, but they are also devoted to aiding and improving the lives of those outside in the community. The team credits Superintendent Colonel Sandra D. Thacker for her continual and unwavering support of these missions.
“We don’t care why people are in the jail,” stated Hidalgo. “We just care about their behavior.” Peumansend offers numerous programs and events to promote good behavior among its inmates. Those whose behavior improves can earn privileges such as participation in art classes or recreation programs. Some inmates can also share experiences with troubled youth in their Straight From the Hip program, an empowering experience for all parties involved.
“We give [inmates] the ability to make better choices,” stated Barnes.
With their mission, and a generous $4,100 to show for their fundraising efforts, Cell Blockers is additional proof that they are truly an asset to Team Caroline.