Schools
Video: At Eastlake's Relay for Life on Saturday, Shoes on the Ground and Determination to Fight Cancer
More than 600 people participated in the annual event, which benefits the American Cancer Society.
To the hundreds of people who walked the track at from SaturdayΒ to Sunday, theΒ torrential rainfall in the evening was not a problem.
Instead, during Eastlake's Relay for Life, the annual fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society, there were stories, memories and hugs -Β all mixed with the same determination to find a cure.
More thanΒ 600 people descended on the school's track Saturday to walk throughout the night until Sunday morning, said Adam Hawkins, co-chair for Eastlake's Relay for Life.
Find out what's happening in Sammamish-Issaquahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
By Saturday, the event had raised more than $105,000, he said. By Sunday evening, according to the American Cancer Society's website, participants affiliated with Eastlake's Relay for Life had raised over $116,700.
Hawkins said the goal is to raise $120,000. Donations are still being accepted.
Find out what's happening in Sammamish-Issaquahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"AllΒ of that money goes andΒ funds cancer research, education, advocacy and services," he said.
PeopleΒ arrived in teams - with names such as "Fight Like a Girl," "Strength" and "Moms on a Mission" - indicationsΒ to letΒ others know they would do anything in their powerΒ to help find aΒ cure for cancer.
In total, there were 65 teams with 626 people, according to the American Cancer Society.
Participants came from throughout the Sammamish area but mainly from Eastlake High School, and , Hawkins said.
Survivors shared stories about their radiation treatment and about what they enjoy most out of daily life. All around the campus, there were signs reminding women to visitΒ the doctor for yearly check-ups and for everyone to exercise regularly.
The event also followedΒ a WednesdayΒ awareness event in Sammamish about cancer,
Hawkins talked about how Relay for LifeΒ raises money for and awareness about cancer.Β But, heΒ added, it does something else.
"It brings together the community," he said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
