Dark clouds surrendered to sun for Relay of Life

On the morning of May 15, the weather finally changed … for the worse. After a steady string of unusually sunny days, the day began with gray overcast skies. By 6 a.m. the air was laden with thin wisps of moisture, and by afternoon it was a full-fledged assault of rain and wind.

Things looked pitiful for the scheduled 7 p.m. start of The Mat-Su Relay For Life. This event celebrates the 25th anniversary as the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, and offers community members an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.

Relay For Life is a team-walking event where each team member takes turns circling the track, requiring at least one member on the track at all times. Members bring food, games and sleeping gear for their overnight experience, typically lasting up to 24 hours.

With teams needing to set up tents and stash their gear, and with the weather looking so gloomy, the event could have been a bust. But as every sourdough Alaskan knows, the morning weather does not always predict the weather later in the day.

As hoped, by mid-afternoon the clouds parted allowing a full measure of sunshine to raise the temperature to the mid-60s. The Mat-Su Relay For Life was held under bright sun and enjoyed by walkers, scooter drivers, toddlers, teens, older folks and some really old folks. Many, if not most, individuals arrived with various pets and strollers, united for fun and exercise to raise money for cancer research. Kendall Ford even donated a Toyota pickup for the cause.

Cancer is bad stuff and sadly, it is the leading cause of death in Alaska. For those hearing the “C” word for the first time, it is a bombshell. We know it happens to others, but we believe we are different and possess immunity from the disease. Unfortunately, cancer knows no skin color or creed. It does not care whether you are rich, poor, strong or weak. It is an equal-opportunity disease and everyone is fair game.

Nearly everyone is touched by cancer in one way or another. If you, a friend, or family member has been affected, there is much you can do but you may have no idea how to start. Relay For Life is one of many ways to fight back. The relay hosted several hundred people, from toddlers to teens, brothers and sisters, friends and friends of friends, as well as parents and grandparents.

It is no secret that the strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight, so the relay includes a moment to remember loved ones lost to the disease. At the relay, people walk alongside those battling cancer and find hope, resolve and solidarity.

It begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where an inspirational and courageous 5-year-old — already a cancer survivor — cut the ribbon allowing the walkers to begin the relay. This young lad can tell you in clear English that he is a cancer survivor even though he had trouble pronouncing leukemia. He has been through trials that no 5-year-old should ever experience, but his tribulations were accompanied by many successes, something everyone present could cheer for.

I hope to see you there next year. Together we can make a difference.

Rep. Carl Gatto, District-13, Palmer.