By Staff
Event imbues participants with energy, spirit and a sense of accomplishment
By Paul Dunn
Managing Editor
Words weren’t enough, so Nichole Manning cried instead.
She and her teammates had just completed the Beaufort County Relay for Life Saturday afternoon — a grueling, cathartic 18 hours on or near the Washington High School Wagner Stadium track.
The American Cancer Society-sponsored event drew 29 teams, each hoping to raise money to fight the ghastly disease.
So they walked, they held hands, they hugged, they laughed, they cried … they bonded.
And just before the event’s final lap on Saturday, Manning’s “Team of Hope” — representing the Beaufort Regional Health System — was awarded plaques for Team Spirit and Best Camp Site.
Manning hugged her mates and wiped away tears.
The large white cards that had been in the stadium’s bleachers the night before were now gone: They had spelled “love” and “hope.”
The words lingered in the moist air as participants walked the final lap Saturday — tired, but spirited.
Love and hope.
According to Lisa Alligood, chairwoman of the Beaufort County Relay for Life, the event raised $168, 695.95.
PCS Phosphate placed first in donations with $14,449; Bosom Buddies placed second with $12,754 and the Beaufort County Department of Social Services Cooking for a Cure team placed third with $10,742.
To donate, or inquire about “Fight Like a Girl” T-shirts, call Alligood at 252-943-1652.
Cutline for corresponding photo: Beaufort County Relay for Life participants take a final lap around the Washington High School Wagner Stadium track Saturday afternoon. (WDN Photo/Paul Dunn)