Hundreds Show Support for Oconee's Relay For Life

The rain came down but spirits remained high as hundreds of participants walked the track in honor of friends and family who battled cancer at the 2012 Relay For Life of Oconee County overnight Friday to Saturday.

Thirty-seven teams worked to “Close the Book on Cancer," raising a total of almost $45,000 for the American Cancer Society, the biggest fundraiser of the year. Accounting for a great portion of this total was Linda Lundy and her Jurassic Park themed team who were working to “make cancer extinct.”

“I’ve always done Relay,” Lundy said. “It’s in my blood.”

Lundy, who is a ten-year breast cancer survivor, led her team to a third place win this year.

Also hoping to help the fight against cancer was’s Alane Howell and her team who were searching “around the world for a cure,” based off Jules Verne’s book Around the World in 80 Days.

“It is the school’s ninth year participating.” Howell said. “It’s a great cause and lots of significance for us.”

Paul Feener, who was last year’s top contributor and expected to be this year’s winner as well, understands the significance of Relay For Life. Feener joined the Relay scene after his twin brother was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer.

“I was with him during his last seven days,” Feener said. “It’s really personal, and I want to honor my brother somehow.”

Feener and his family comprised the Snow White and the Seven Dwarf team, where six of the seven dwarfs were Feener’s grandchildren.

Despite threatening weather throughout the evening, participants made it clear that the fight against cancer would continue.

“We won’t leave until they shut us down,” Linda Lundy said as she looked at the dark clouds.

And although the 12-hour event was scheduled to end following morning, the fundraising and search for a cure would not.

“We don’t stop after tonight,” Paul Feener stated.

Did you attend or help with fundraising efforts for the 2012 Relay for Life of Oconee County?  Share about your experience below and !