Relay For Life Event Raises $50K

Relay For Life Alexandria raised approximately $50,000 for the American Cancer Society on Saturday and into Sunday at the fields at George Washington Middle School.

“I was so happy with the turnout,” said Michelle Daichman, a Relay For Life event development manager who helped organize the weekend event. “At one point we had about 300 people there, even with the rain people kept coming out. … I have to thank all the event sponsors for making the event what it was.”

T.C. Williams High School Athletic Director Steve Colantuoni, a cancer survivor and the father of a cancer survivor, and Del Ray resident and T.C. Williams staff member Patty Moran helped bring the event to the city.

Relay team members reached out for pledges for their participation. Team members camped out overnight and took turns walking or running around the school grounds. At least one member of each team walked at all times, signifying that cancer never sleeps. 

Moran raised the most money of any individual participant, Daichman said. 

The event included an opening ceremony attended by U.S. Rep. Jim Moran and Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, laps recognizing survivors and caregivers, and a luminarias ceremony honoring all who have battled cancer.

“Everyone is already talking about next year’s event,” Daichman said. “Participants invited people to come down and check it out and they’re already trading Facebook messages about signing up next year.”