Approximately 1,400 people participated in the 21st Relay For Life of North Whidbey Island, June 6-7.
As part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life program, the event raises funds for cancer research and promotes awareness.
A total of 82 teams were arranged in tents around the edges of the Oak Harbor Middle School track for the 24-hour 5 p.m. to 5 p.m. event.
“I feel it’s very important to have events like this, because it brings awareness to cancer and cancer research,” said Karla Sharkey, team
chair for the event. “Most of the money we raise goes to cancer research so we can find the cure for all types of cancers.”
Last year’s event raised approximately $160,000 and this year’s goal is $185,000. Thus far, they have tallied approximately $127,400
but donations are being accepted until Aug. 31. Participants and coordinators are hopeful this mark will be reached after beating a
personal goal of having 80 teams participate in this year’s Relay.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Sharkey. “Everybody has a different reason. We have a lot of survivors here as well as families of people
who have passed away recently, so enabling to make a difference you feel so good to make a difference.”
For Sharkey, the Relay has sentimental motivation from a previous life experience.
“It’s personal to me, my mother-in-law passed away 23 years ago and my daughter was born 22 years ago,” said Sharkey. “She never
got to know her grandmother. That’s why I relay, so people get to know their families and have them around for a long time.”
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island 14 teams also felt it was important to lend their efforts in the day’s activities.
“It’s important to be here to find a cure,” said Yeoman 2nd Class (SW) Roger Engelhardt, a co-captain of the Naval Ocean Processing
Facility team. “A lot of people are affected through their friends and family, so we’re out here to support them and in remembrance for
those who’ve passed.”
Their efforts were appreciated and many felt it just continued to show the strong bond the civilian and military communities on
Whidbey Island have with each other.
“I’d like to thank all those organizations from the base who are giving their time and energies to this great and worthy cause,” said
Col. William Flannery, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 commanding officer. “This is just another example of the outstanding
relationship between the community and the base.”