YOUR AD HERE »

Relay for Life event this weekend at EVHS

Enterprise staff report
Luminarias honoring those who have battled cancer light the path during a past Eagle County Relay for Life event.
Enterprise file photo |

Their team name is “Burpees for Jesse” and members of the Eagle Valley High School baseball team will be honoring their coach Jesse Meryhew’s battle against cancer during the Relay for Life event this Saturday.

The members of team captain Shaun Brooks’ “Champions Against Cancer” are representing for “Always in our hearts — In memory of Lee Papa Brooks”

During the all night event, 17 local teams will take a front line posisiton in the battle against cancer as they walk around and around the EVHS track as part of the American Cancer Society fund-raiser.



Cancer doesn’t only affect individuals, it also attacks communities.

“You can’t find someone in the Eagle Valley who hasn’t been affected by cancer or who doesn’t know someone who has,” said 2014 local Relay for Life organizer Paul Witt.

Support Local Journalism



Survivors often speak of strength gained from support of families and friends as they waged their personal battles against cancer. The Relay for Life effort — a fund-raising concept that has generated more than $450 million since its inception — reflects that spirit of support. During a Relay for Life, team members camp out at an athletic track and keep at least one member walking around a set course through an entire evening, through the night and until the following morning. The effort symbolizes the long fight and constant effort to battle cancer. Teams collect pledges for their walk and the money generated then supports cancer research and treatment programs both locally and world wide.

But on a more personal level, the Relay for Life is an affirmation that lives continue on after cancer hits and that memories of cancer victims remain vivid.

Community event

The Relay for Life is conducted in a celebratory, not sober, environment.

“This is a great community event. It is a great way to see people who you haven’t seen for awhile and spend some time together,” said Witt.

The Eagle County Relay for Life is planned Saturday through Sunday, Aug. 2-3. The action begins at 6 p.m. with local cancer survivors taking the first trip around the track. The relay will then continue until 7 a.m. Sunday morning. It’s not to late to join a team and it is definitely not too late to make a donation. To do either, visit

http://www.relayforlife.org/eagleco.

For additional information about the Eagle County Relay for Life, visit the event’s Facebook page at Relay for Life of Eagle County or contact Witt by email at pwitt@vail.net or by phone at 970-471-5380.


Support Local Journalism