Bigfork Relay for Life walks for a cure

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

The numbers were all down at this year's Relay for Life in Bigfork, but the spirit was still high Friday night and into Saturday morning at the high school track.

"Everything ran really smoothly," said Debbie Ingram, Relay for Life Chairman. "The music was really great and the food was unbelievable. The numbers of walkers and teams were down, but those that came out had a great time."

The community support was felt all around; from food and music, to volunteers and donations. Ingram even got a pleasant surprise Saturday morning when the local rotary showed up, unannounced, to the track to help clean up.

"This community always backs these type of events and this year's relay was no exception," Ingram said.

So far Bigfork's Relay for Life has raised about $45,000. Donations can continue to come in until the end of August, but it doesn't look like the community will meet the relay committee's goal of $83,000.

"I'm disappointed in the amount of money we raised this year, but the amount we did raise is more similar to what other communities our size usually raise," Ingram said. "It is lower compared to what we have done in the past, and what I know our community can do."

There were 75 survivors who registered at this year's event, and about 350 participants overall who made up 25 teams. The committee sold over 800 luminaries which were set up to line the track.

Regardless of the numbers, Bigfork residents came out to support each other and raise awareness about cancer.

Pat McBride has been a part of Bigfork's relay since it originated four years ago. This year she volunteered her time at the sign-in booth.

"I do it because I'm a survivor and I have friends that are no longer here because they died from cancer," McBride said. "And I have many other friends that are battling cancer now, or are in remission. It brings people together and you meet new people. Bigfork is a small town, but everyone gets so busy doing their own thing, so events like this are great for bringing everyone together."

Betty Hendrickson was a co-captain for the Bethany Lutheran Church team and has been a part of Bigfork's Relay for Life for three years.

"I'm a survivor, and even if I wasn't I would still participate because I have so many friends and family who are survivors. It brings so many people together for such a good cause," Hendrickson said.

This was Jan Wiedebush's second year as a co-captain for Bethany Lutheran Church.

"I have a lot of cancer in my family," Wiedebush said. "It is very near and dear to my heart and I hope one day cancer can be cured."

Joy Crane, who is 91 years-old, said she was impressed by the number of young people that attended this year's event, calling it a "truly inter-generational event."

Bigfork High School Freshman Taylor Peck was part of the large number of youth participants at this year's event. Peck, who has participated in the relay for three years, co-captained the team Cowboy Up for the Cure, which was comprised of local high schoolers and middle schoolers.

"My dad is a cancer survivor," Peck said. "Our baby-sitter got us together the first year and it was just so fun we kept doing it. So many people are effected by cancer. Everybody knows somebody that has been diagnosed with cancer so it's really personable."

Eleven year-old Halie Nissen participated in the relay this year for the first time. She was on the Flathead Bank team, which is where her mom works.

"I like that people are helping other people with cancer," Nissen said. "Kids are more athletic and can do more laps, so they should be out here too."

At the closing ceremonies awards were given to groups and individuals that stood out at the event. Bethany Lutheran Church was named best decorated team site. Beverly Garcelon was the individual who raised the most money, with $5,240 that included a single donation of $5,000. Her team, Bigfork Hope Project, raised the most money as a group, with $5,800. God's Walkie Talkies were a close second raising about $300 less without any large sum donations.