Relay to Fight Cancer Draws 600

The Relay for Life was a 24-hour event held Friday through Saturday and sponsored by the American Cancer Society at the East Chapel Hill High School track.

More than 600 people on 40 different teams raised $48,786 this year.

"This is really successful," said Marc Huber, the chairman of the event. "But the amount raised will keep going up as more and more donations come in from the mail and the Internet."

There were a number of teams participating from UNC, including Carolina Cancer Focus, Army and Air Force ROTC and national honor fraternity Phi Sigma Pi.

"I'm doing it because it is a good use of my time," said Jake Mattocks, a member of the CCF team. "It's actually a lot of fun; there was a lot to do."

The event coordinators arranged many activities for participants, such as a three-legged race, a scavenger hunt and a talent contest. Each team that participated got points and an overall winner -- Phi Sigma Pi -- was declared at the end of the relay.

Another award given was the team spirit award, won by McDougle Elementary School. "The McDougle teachers sometimes acted like McDougle students," Huber said.

The McDougle teachers were there to do a service project for their school, so they said they decided to have a lot of fun with it. "Our school was looking for a service project," said McDougle team captain Carol Wood. "Everyone has a real reason for being here."

Luminaries were set up all around the track in honor of survivors and victims of cancer. There also were several unorganized games of football and soccer played on the football field.

"Football was a lot of fun, and the luminaries were cool," Mattocks said, who was jumping up to catch a football as the lights were turned out for the luminary lighting ceremony.

The Square Heels, a Chapel Hill square-dancing club, has been involved in the relay since it started in Chapel Hill in 1995. "We've done this since it first came to Chapel Hill," said Bob Troy, team captain for the Square Heels. "There's so many of us that have been affected by cancer. It's very special to us."

Despite his seven years of involvement, this was Huber's first time being in charge. "Last year, no one wanted to be chairman," he said. "I thought it was a wonderful event, and I didn't want it to die."

In an effort to raise more money, several of the teams offered special services during the relay. The UNC Army ROTC gave massages, the Square Heels sold food, some groups sold artwork and a few groups had set up games.

"In between (walking), we're giving massages and playing soccer," said Army ROTC member Nathan Williams. "It's been really fun."

Army ROTC teammate Mark Ross said he was there because his life had been affected by cancer and because it was fun. "I did it because I thought it was a good idea and my grandmother passed away of cancer in 1992," Ross said.

"I ran 10 miles, played soccer, ate some food, worked my fingers numb (from the massages), but I'm not complaining."

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.