MOSES LAKE — Things might not have ended the way Moses Lake Relay For Life organizers envisioned when the sprinklers came on early Saturday morning at the Moses Lake High School track and shut down the early. The positive impact the event had in the fight against cancer made it all worth it.

Initial estimates from event organizers put the total amount raised at about $49,100. Organizers still expect to see about $10,000 come through in the coming months, which is in tune with how things have played out in past years. The 2017 Relay saw about 250 people participate, a number that is less than Relay board members were hoping for, but still impactful in the fight against cancer.

“I’ve known people who have participated in Relay For Life in the past, but I just never really had the time to fully contribute. This year I decided to give it a go and am pleasantly surprised at the comradery that is here. It’s really a special atmosphere,” Relay participant Valerie Wilson remarked.

From themed laps, to catered food, loud speakers blaring out fun walking music and friendly competition amongst the teams, the 2017 Relay was one for the record books. The event started Friday night with a welcoming ceremony and special guest speaker Mike Leedom, who is a registered nurse at Samaritan Healthcare. Leedom spoke of how a co-worker’s cancer diagnosis impacted his life.

“Her getting cancer was a total shock and I felt a piece of me getting lost. I watched as she recovered from cancer. Always smiling, always keeping a smile on her face. A smile intact, as well as a positive attitude through what finally became three separate battles with cancer. Basically five year intervals,” Leedom said.

Leedom said if his friend was able to maintain a positive attitude through her battles with cancer, the least he could do was participate in Relay For Life and show “love and support” to his dear friend. The love and support Leedom spoke of is present in all who participate in Relay For Life and is what has caused the event to grow into a global endeavor to battle cancer.

Relay For Life started in 1985 when Gordon Klatt, a physician from Tacoma, walked around a local track for 24 hours to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event isn’t simply about raising funds for cancer research, it is also to honor those who fought brave battles against the disease.

“The first lap Friday night was for people who survived a cancer diagnosis. It was just so beautiful to see all those people walk around that track. Truthfully, it brought tears to my eyes,” Relay participant Donna Wagner said.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.