ST. GEORGE – The American Cancer Society hosted the 23rd annual Relay for Life this weekend at Dixie State College’s Hansen stadium.
The event kicked off Friday at noon and wrapped up Saturday at the same time and had a total of 69 eight- to 12-person teams representing various members of the community, businesses and organizations.
The 24-hour event is held every year to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy, and related services.
Robynn Jones of Saint George is the acting relay chairman and said this year the relay raised between 75 and 85 thousand dollars.
The teams consisted of people of all ages and walks of life. They walked in the wee hours of the morning despite the cool temperatures and winds.
Each team is required to have one person on the track at all times for the duration of the event and the average time for a walker was about two hours.
Jones said: “We get all kinds of people at this event, but they all have one thing in common: Every one has either had cancer or knows someone who has.”
O.J. Hampy of St. George lost his mother and grandmother to cancer and was running for most of the portion of his time up for his team, the Gladiators.
“We’re here in remembrance of them and also to raise money and awareness for future cancer victims,” Hampy said.
Starbucks Coffee was on the field serving coffee, hot chocolate, and tea; as well as having a team in the relay.
Bryan Pulsipher, a chef from Ridgeveiw Gardens in St. George, headed up the pancake breakfast served Saturday morning.
Pulsipher, along with his brothers Dell and Washington County Sheriff Cory Pulsipher, and a few other friends, donated all the food, supplies, and labor for the meal. This is their ninth year sponsoring the breakfast for the relay.
Pulsipher said both of his parents are cancer survivors.
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