Relay for Life Celebrates Cancer Survivors, Memories of Loved Ones Lost

OAK PARK – "Welcome to the ultimate birthday party, where the grandest gift is life," Sharon Agnew, a nine-year breast cancer survivor, said as she welcomed an anxious crowd Saturday during Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley.

Ten teams participated in the 24-hour event, during which each group had at least one representative on the Shepherd Park track at all times, even in the wee hours of the night.

"Cancer doesn't sleep, neither do we," said Barry Blauer, a two-year Relay for Life participant. Blauer colored his beard purple in support of event's signature color.

Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley raised $15, 062 for cancer research but event chairperson Rodneca Gossett said the donation period is open until Aug. 31. Donations are accepted on Relay for Life's website.

Gossett said she was pleased with the event's success, given it is only its second year in Oak Park.

"We just keep pushing," Gossett said.

Teams such as the Oak Park School District Champs helped make the event a success. Oak Park High School principal William Washington said his team raised more than $7,100. 

Washington accepted the awards for Most Dollars Raised and Rookie of the Year. He promised he would be back next year with an even bigger turn out.

Washington said individual classrooms and extracurricular organizations helped raise money and assist in the set-up and tear down of the event.

When the sun went down, the spirit among Relay for Life remained bright. The luminaria ceremony, a Relay for Life tradition where participants dedicate luminary bags with the names of survivors or those who have lost their battle with cancer, were lighted at dusk. During the honorary silent lap, participants could reflect on the lives of those who have been affected by cancer.

Cancer doesn't sleep  and neither did the teams. Members were walking all night long. "The cold kept me going," said Monica Woods, team captain of Faith Tabernacle Church Firestarters. Ward's team took home the Best Decorated Campsite award.

Best Team Spirit award was presented to Team Cutler. One of the team's youngest members, Max Rebori, who was , showed his spirit for the full 24 hours.

Max also spearheaded a fundraising campaign at Rogers Elementary School, where he sponsored a hat day and pajama day and asked each classroom to donate to a piggy bank. Max alone raised more than $500.

"Max is kinda shy," said proud mom Jennifer Rebori. "It's out of the box for him."

Team Cutler came in second for the most money raised with more than $3,400.

Max, his mom Jennifer Rebori and their family and friends participated in memory of his grandpa.

“My dad, Phil Cutler, was on the Recreation Board for Oak Park for over 30 years and the mayor dedicates the relay in memory of him,” Jennifer Rebori told Berkley Patch in April.

Newcomers team Hillel of Metro Detroit joined at 10:30 Saturday night. Honoring their Jewish faith, they could not participate until after sundown on the Sabbath. Team captain Danniell Nadiv said she would like to get her Huntington Woods community more involved next year.