Relay Exceeds Goal -- Big Time!

Kane Area Relay for Life surpasses all goals -- Final amount raised $79,590.89 (gross)

20 teams produced a 300-person Relay Army raising money for cancer research and local cancer patient services, to sail past their $65K goal for the 2009 Kane Area Relay for Life

First Place team was Kane Community Hospital (KCH) Kaleidoscopers raising just over $12K with co-team captains Amy Peterson (cancer survivor) and Luanne Larson (in front center with gray hoodies) with Fran Stewart (blue t-shirt) of the American Cancer Society and key members of the KCH team.

Second place team was Doug's Desperados raising well over $11K. Fran Stewart of the American Cancer Society with Shirley Milliron, team captain, and Shirley's grandson Doug Vandeman, a cancer survivor for whom the team is named.

LOVE spelled out on the Kane Area High School bleachers as luminaries light the track below.

Kane Volunteer Fire Department members walk a memory lap in full gear remembering Art Brechtel, family and friends.

2009 Honorary cancer survivor Hillary Morgan (center) flanked by her parents Shirley Morgan, co-chair of the Kane Area Relay and Barry Morgan, who spoke at the survivor ceremony on his daughter's courage and the important role caregivers play in the fight and the journey of a family member -- moving from fear into a position of support and care for their daughter and the many learnings and gifts the family received.

Group picture of cancer survivors attending the survivor ceremony Friday evening immediately following the presentation and release of butterflies.

(Photos courtesy of Ruth Gentilman Peterson)

Congratulations! You all rock!