Purple-clad people from all walks of life made their way around a track lined with luminaries Friday evening, celebrating being cancer free as they participated in the first lap — the Survivors’ Lap — of the 2015 Bulloch County Relay for Life.
Purple and white balloons, ribbons and t-shirts gave the scene a splash of color as the annual fundraising event unfolded. The Survivors’ Lap was followed by a Caregivers’ Lap, and then hundreds of others took turns walking around the track at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds, doing their part to raise money for promoting awareness and seeking a cure for the deadly disease that affects almost everyone, whether it be family members, friends or themselves.
Johnny Lamb, 71, from Oak Park, was diagnosed with squama cell cancer in October. He underwent surgery in January, but the cancer returned. He experienced another surgery Wednesday, but was out and about Friday, helping with a team’s efforts to battle the disease.
“I came out here to do what I can,” he said. “This is a good thing. It makes me feel great that somebody takes the time to do this.”
Over 60 teams joined the event this year, and camp sites were decorated with the theme “Closing the Book on Cancer.” Teams designed their camps with storybook characters, some of which were seen walking around in costume. Area business mascots wandered around as well, including bottles of Braswell Foods sauces and jams. More than a few teams used the Dr. Seuss books as inspiration for their décor.
Jodi Akins and Heather Merritt were in the midst of a pack of jovial, laughing folk from Great Dane Trailers, selling popcorn, Rice Krispy treats and candy. “We’re here to raise money for cancer awareness,” Akins said. “I have family and friends with cancer. I think this is great for the community to pull together for one goal, and everybody being in the same page.”
The team had already surpassed its goal by Friday, Merritt said. “We blew past our goal.” One employee raised $800 alone, and “employee participation was off the charts this year,” she said. The team held raffles with prizes including a day off with pay, and raffled off a gift basket at the event.
Other teams hawked their wares and services in attempts to see how much money they could raise.  One camp had several types of candy for sale – all pink, for breast cancer awareness. Another camp offered baked goods including purple ribbon (cancer awareness) cookies. Some sold hot food and others offered games of chance.
Many people attended just to show support for those with cancer or in memory of someone who lost the battle against the disease.  Thousands of white paper bag luminaries lined the tracks, purchased in memory or in honor of cancer patients.
”I just came here to support the cause,” said Chauncey Jordan, a Mill Creek Elementary School teacher. The school had a team participating in the relay. The event “definitely brings awareness to those who wonder what it is all about. This is a big show of support.”
The event featured bands and other performers, special ceremonies throughout the night, and was expected to wrap up with a pancake breakfast at 11:30 p.m., sponsored by the Statesboro Kiwanis Club, just before the event ended at midnight.

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.