Strong turnout for Relay for Life
They walked, jogged, danced and triked against cancer at Relay for Life on Saturday in Modesto.
The annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society drew close to 900 people Saturday morning to take part in the 24-hour relay at the Johansen High School track. The event opened with the Survivors Lap, for cancer survivors and their loved ones.
Some 87 teams registered this year.
The Patient Courage Award went to Werner Feldhaus, a throat cancer survivor since 2006.
“When I was told six months was all I had if the treatment worked, or if it didn’t, I relied on God, faith and the American Cancer Society,” Feldhaus said. “That’s why we Relay for Life.”
Similar events have been held in Hughson, Patterson, Turlock and Manteca. Upcoming relays will be at Riverbank and Ripon high schools on June 6 and Escalon High on June 27.
In Modesto, participants made their way steadily around the track – some alone, some in groups and even a couple on trikes. The course was circled with teammates and tents for sponsors and supporters. Music played throughout with booths offering food, games, massages, raffles and more. The relay ends at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Marijke Rowland: (209) 578-2284, @marijkerowland
This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Strong turnout for Relay for Life."