For the week of June 18 - 24, 2003

‘Relay for Life’ inspires hope

Full moon lights way for cancer survivors and supporters

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

The "Relay for Life," an American Cancer Society fund-raising event was held overnight Friday, June 13, and into the morning of Saturday, June 14, at the Wood River Middle School in Hailey.

The scene was alive with hope as participants chatted in their small tent cities that popped up around the track. Dozens of children played alongside and on the track. Tables of happy and energized relayers ate a hearty barbecue before the race, and candles were placed in paper bags—lumieres—adorned with names.

Each one represented a loved one. Many were tagged with the names of valley residents still fighting cancer, including Cindy Thiede and 13-year-old Nima Sherpa. Other names included the late teacher Jill Palm, as well as Wende Thornton and Jan Gripne, both of whom died last week.

Teams were made up of families, members of organizations such as Weight Watchers, the Wood River Jewish Community, city employees and the Nima-Toads, comprised of middle school kids in Nima Sherpa’s honor.

The Wood River Community Bridge Club played straight through the nightlong relay raising money.

"My favorite part was the laughs, camaraderie and support," Renata Beguin said. "It was the first time in my life that having cancer wasn’t something completely negative. It was a joy to be with cancer survivors and feel the love and support pour out of this community. It’s a very special thing."

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.