Relay for Life gets Team Goodfellow support

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As the sun began to set May 21, the LeGrand Sports Complex at Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, opened its gates to more than a hundred teams ready to set up camp and run. These teams weren't there to compete in a track meet though, they were there to show their support for a cause.

Of the 150 teams registered to participate in the Tom Green County Relay for Life this year, more than 30 teams came from Goodfellow. Teams from the base were formed from all services, squadrons and civilian personnel.

Mr. Ronald Hoelle, Fire Academy instructor, has been participating in the race for the past eight years and a base coordinator for the last six. He said he got involved with the event to benefit a close friend who was diagnosed with cancer.

"By supporting her, we showed support for the other teams, too," Mr. Hoelle said.

Shortly after his first time participating in the relay, Mr. Hoelle was diagnosed with cancer.

"We never thought that the next year we'd be out there to support me," he said.

The money teams raised for the relay go the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for cancer. Although the amount Goodfellow teams raised cannot be confirmed for a few months, last year they raised almost $25,000 with only 20 teams.

According to the Society's web site, the support they get from Relay for Life events makes their mission possible and helps them move closer to the ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

The relay started with a Survivor's lap when cancer survivors rallied together to circle the track in celebration of their victory over cancer. Watching the survivors make the lap together also helped remind attendees what their participation helps to achieve; survival from the disease. Next came Caregiver's lap where those who care for cancer victims made a lap together.

"It's great to look around and see everyone pulling together for the same cause," said Marine Pfc. Christopher Nicolaysen, Marine Corps Detachment.

Private first class Nicolaysen said this was his second year participating in the overnight event.

"Sure you get tired through the night, but there are people out there going through much worse," he said.

After the sun finally set, the Luminaria Ceremony began and participants made a lap in silence as the stadium was lit by luminarias. Each bag contained a lit candle and showed the name of those touched by cancer or someone who died from the disease.

Teams weren't the only help people from Goodfellow provided at the relay. More than 25 volunteers from base showed their support by setting up, cleaning and tearing down the event.

"The majority of the event set up and tear down is done by military volunteers from each branch," said Kellye Davis, American Cancer Society community manager for development. "The Tom Green County Relay for Life wouldn't be the successful event it has become without the help and support of Goodfellow. Many of our Relay for Life committee members, team captains and event participants also come from Goodfellow. Each year, our event continues to grow partly because of the great working relationship San Angelo and Tom Green County has with Goodfellow."

This year's goal of 125 teams was exceeded as more than 150 teams registered, bringing upwards of 1,800 participants. Over the last 24 years, the Relay for Life event has been held at 3,800 communities nationwide.