Rathdrum Relay seeks participants

RATHDRUM - Walking a circuit for 13 straight hours shows the determination and perseverance Relay for Life team members have when it comes to honoring loved ones who have experienced cancer.

The fourth annual Relay for Life of Rathdrum is actively seeking participants to join this year's event, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday and going through the night until 7 a.m. Saturday.

Event chair Shanie Rountree of Rathdrum said the number of teams and amount of funds are surprisingly low for how soon the event is taking place. By Friday, only 16 teams had signed up and just more than $7,000 had been raised. Rountree said the goals are to raise $35,000 and have 230 participants on 24 teams.

"I don't think there's anybody who doesn't know somebody who has been affected by cancer," she said.

Funds raised at the relay go to American Cancer Society programs to help those battling cancer. The many programs include providing transportation for patients to and from treatment, lodging for families so they can be close to their loved ones, research and even a "Look Good, Feel Better" program which instructs cancer treatment patients how to use wigs and makeup to have more confidence. Rountree said Relay for Life events have helped more than 140,000 people in Kootenai County.

The 2014 Relay for Life of Rathdrum's theme is "There's no place like hope." Activities will include team fundraisers, a silent auction, food vendors, music, games, prizes, cancer survivor ceremonies and fun for the whole family. Rountree said the community is invited to attend and you don't have to be a participant to join.

For information, to donate or participate, visit Relay for Life of Rathdrum's website, www.relayforlife.org/rathdrumid, its Facebook page or call Rountree at 651-4315.