Team Seminole Raises $25,000 for ACS

By Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — With the coming of spring each year there is a promise of new life, regeneration and hope. What better time for the American Cancer Society (ACS) to unite people all across our nation in the attack against the dreaded disease of cancer.

No matter where you live, you will have an opportunity to participate in the Relay for Life 2007. The little community of Immokalee was no exception and Team Seminole proudly joined ranks with their neighbors in the fight against cancer.

The Seminole Tribe’s Community Outreach Liason Edna McDuffie and Nutritionist Charlotte Porcaro assisted in organizing the event, which took place March 9 and 10 at the Immokalee High School Track.

The Relay for Life was a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and the many programs sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Following an opening lap at 4 p.m., the students of Patti’s Dance Studio entertained. Then came the survivors’ reception and lap. Recognition of the caregivers brought an overwhelming response by the participants, and a lap in their honor followed.

By far the most impressive and moving portion of the evening was the luminaries service, which was followed by memorial laps. The entire distance around the track was lined with candles in closed containers lighting the way in memory of those who lost their lives to cancer. Family members, friends and neighbors joined together to do laps in honor of their loved ones.

The objective of each team was to keep at least one member on the track at all times either walking or running laps. Team Seminole members carried a patchwork-covered baton, which they traded back and forth during the relay.

Donated items were also raffled off, with the proceeds going to the ACS. They included a huge gift basket, provided by the Immokalee Seminole Casino, with an assortment of delicacies.

The night’s activities included numerous contests which extended into the early morning hours for those who had elected to camp out and represent their teams in the continuous relay.

The ACS is the nation’s largest, private nonprofit source of funding for cancer research. ACS members made presentations and erected signs around the perimeter of the track, relaying sobering statistics intended to enlighten the participants and hopefully promote a more healthful lifestyle.

Many people think what little they can afford to give won’t make a difference. Immokalee’s Relay for Life has proven this to be untrue. This year’s efforts raised more than $25,000 in this small but generous community — approximately $5,000 of this in just one evening.

ACS representatives expressed their gratitude to Team Seminole and Immokalee Seminole Council Liaison Ralph Sanchez for their contribution and participation in this worthwhile endeavor.