Our Relay for Life Green Valley/Sahuarita event was held on April 6 at Rancho Resort in Sahuarita. We relay to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and to fight back to end cancer. This year we had 14 teams participating to raise money for the American Cancer Society who provide advocacy, research, and patient support. Our Quail Creek team is Quail Creek Fights Back. Ginny Hutcheson is our team leader.
The ladies from Post 66 American Legion Auxiliary started the day off by presenting the colors, followed by the singing of the national anthem and guest speaker Courtney Larko sharing with us her cancer journey.
After the Survivor and Caregivers lap, they were served lunch by Amy and Greg Hanson from Longhorn Outpost & Barbecue, 19th Hole Bar & Grill, and Longhorn Saloon. During the day, several of the teams offered food for sale. Quail Creek served walking tacos and Eegee’s.
Starting at around 1 p.m. we had entertainment provided by Anza Trail Middle School Dance Team, San Martin de Porres Choir, Pat and Dave Jackson, and Sahuarita Dance Center. In between the entertainment we had games for all and music by our DJ Barb Nichols.
The highlight of the night was the Luminaria Ceremony. Luminarias are set up around the track decorated with names of family and friends who have lost their battle with cancer or who are fighting cancer. The bags are lit and names are read off in memory of or hope for those still fighting.
During the Closing Ceremony, we thanked all the sponsors and those who had donated to our relay. It was the end of a very long day in which we raised $4,000 selling food and various other items. We have reached our $40,000 goal. Now we are near $45,000, as raising funds continues until the end of August. Thanks to all who made our Relay for Life a huge success.