 On The Line -- Issue 646 -- August 3, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 646 -- August 3, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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They came as they had come every August, individually, in couple, family groups and teams. By 10 a.m. on Aug.3, the parking lots were filled, and volunteers were directing drivers to park along both sides of Monterey Street. Some people had been out the night before to set up stations and tents.
Fore many years, the local Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's nation-wide fundraiser, has been a big event in Hollister and each has surpassed the previous one in numbers of people walking around the track, and, it seems, in enthusiasm. Most Americans have lost family members or friends to the disease. Once the diagnosis was looked upon as a death sentence, but in the last two decades tremendous strides in treatment have resulted in many survivors. Although it remains a grave threat, it is not automatically a countdown to the tomb. Survivors show that it is being beaten back, if not yet fully conquered. No one takes it lightly but there is room for hope. Many, perhaps most, survivors communicate their hope for a final cure to others who have never had cancer. The Relay for Life began many years ago in Tacoma when a doctor who had seen too many patients die from it decided to -- well, take steps - to end it. In a marathon campaign he walked for miles over many hours to claim the pledges made for so much a mile and donated the proceeds to the ACS. The example made a great impression and spread to other communities where people who had suffered from cancer or had lost loved ones to it. Individuals, couples, entire families and teams from business and other organizations of the community began marathon marches and reaped much money to donate. Some of our county's most influential people have become deeply involved with the local relay. Some have had cancer and survived it and others turn out because they have lost family members and friends to it. Carol Tortorelli and Carol Johnson co-chaired it this year. Both are known for their dedication and attracted many others to work with them, some who have been volunteers before but also some new faces. This year's theme was "Around the World in 80 Laps," with each of the more than 40 teams selecting a country of the world. Pat Loe was among them and so were Tracy Young, Chuck Obeso-Bradley, Nina Marsh, Elizabeth Downs, Joan Moore and Cheryl and Sara Mullen. Also serving were Linda Roma, Adam Eversoll, Jean-Paul Hill and Tracey and Tawney Datillo. Other staff members who helped make it a success through much time, background and work were Claudia Teehan, Geri Johnson, Patty Wright, Janie Walker, Kim Vera, Michael Horn, Bill Gay and Denise Buessing, the latter two of the ACS staff. After the set-up and team registration at noon, participating survivors registered between 3 and 5. Immediately after opening ceremonies, survivors made the traditional first lap. Among them were Geri Johnson, Harry Hill III, Anneliese Williams, and Mark and Jean Gillaspie, As they marched around the field, some arm-in-arm, some with canes, applause began and continued until they had completed the lap. Right there was the essence of the event -- the demonstration of sheer gallantry, of people openly showing their admiration of those who did not let themselves be counted out by a grim foe. The reception followed with survivors being served dinner whose components were donated by many local restaurants, bakeries and companies. Participants were served next and they found places to eat with friends. Entertainment had already started at the main stage, with the 4 of Hearts Band playing popular music. Luminarias, paper bags inscribed with the name of a person who had died of cancer or who were struggling against it, and illuminated by a candle inside, were lighted in a ceremony conducted by The Oriana Chorale. They burned through the entire night as marchers went resolutely around the field like a bright ring of hope. Some participants marched faster than others, the difference usually one of age, but as the evening progressed, all settled to a steadier pace. Sometimes a very young child would tire and be picked up by a parent who carried him while he slept. More than once, a teenager fell in with a senior citizen and kept his spirits up. The barriers that often divide different ages in everyday life were down temporary. Young, old or in between, all were marching for a common goal. On the main stage the band played on, then for awhile Dave Baumgartner presided at the karaoke and many people sang along. Some people began to show tiredness and team members or family members spelled them while they rested. Many tents had been set up and people rested and slept until it was their turn to be out on the field again. Leonard and Beverly Poletti walked as they have most years, and with them was his sister, Helen Casillas. Bruce Emerson, who had marched all through the night last year, said he was doing it again but was in better shape than he had been then. "Every bone ached and I had tremendous blisters," he laughed. At midnight a number of the participants dropped out briefly to get pastries at the Hospitality Tent but were soon on the march again. Some marchers taking a breather in front of the tents were too keyed up to sleep and talked softly with each other. The track was never empty during the 24 hours. Soon after dawn, Robert Ornelas and Robert Van Tassel drove back and forth in carts to offer rides to participants who were taking a break. "I estimate that more than a thousand people turned out to march," Geri Johnson said. "We had more than 40 teams, and more than 50 companies donated services or goods. Our monetary goal is $245,000 this year and I hope we'll surpass that. We won't know until all the pledges are in. As participants took down their tents and cleaned up debris just before noon, there were many yawns but also many smiles. The community had turned out again for a worthwhile cause as it has done so many times in the past. |
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