Relay for Life "directly impacting our people'

It's an event filled with laughter, tears and an intrinsic sense of oneness. As hundreds of people gather together, they will be united by one cause: the fight against cancer.

This year's Sky Valley Relay for Life event will take place on May 30 and 31 at Monroe High School (17001 Tester Road). Known for being the American Cancer Society's (ACS) largest annual fundraising effort, Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivors, honors those who have lost their lives and gives people the chance to take a stand against a disease that has impacted so many.-á

This year's event is being co-chaired by Monroe residents Linda Pearl and Linda Huskey, who have each been affected by cancer in different ways. Huskey is a two-time cancer survivor, while Pearl served as a caregiver to both of her parents. To Pearl and Huskey, Relay for Life is all about celebration.-á

"We take that day and we do nothing but celebrate,GÇ¥ Pearl said. "And I don't mean with alcohol or anything like that GÇô we do nothing but have a blast with each other.GÇ¥

The celebration will kick off with opening ceremonies at noon on Saturday, May 30, and will continue on through the night. Closing ceremonies will take place at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 31. Everyone is invited to attend Relay for Life and enjoy the numerous activities that will take place throughout the day, including lip sync, relay bingo, the Mr. Relay pageant, the luminaria ceremony, a "crazy hatGÇ¥-themed lap, food, vendors and more.-á

Last year, the Sky Valley Relay for Life event was attended by 68 teams and 105 survivors, raising $123,000. Pearl and Huskey hope to exceed those numbers this year.-á

The money raised during Relay for Life is dedicated to cancer research and the numerous ACS programs meant to support cancer patients as they navigate the often-bumpy road of treatment. Road to Recovery helps match cancer patients with volunteer drivers, while the Look Good Feel Better program helps women improve their appearance during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Hope Lodge works to provide accommodations to patients who need to stay away from home during their treatment.

Huskey explained that being able to have a positive impact on members of the Sky Valley community is one of the most rewarding aspects of Relay.-á

"It's not only research, but it's also the amount of people that we're serving in this community. We know the numbers of how many people are getting rides to treatment,GÇ¥ Huskey said. "That is the coolest thing. We know how many people we're serving, not only in Snohomish County, but Monroe, Sultan, Gold Bar and Index. We are directly impacting our people.GÇ¥

Relay for Life is not geared toward any one form of cancer but covers the entire spectrum. Survivors will be honored with a free lunch provided by Subway and the Dashing Dutchman's Deli. Lunch provided by Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant will be available for purchase. -á

Pearl and Huskey both agree that Relay is more than just a fundraising event GÇô it's a family reunion. It's the opportunity to transform lives by honoring those who have been impacted by cancer. It's a time to mourn the losses and celebrate the victories.-á

"It's a disease that we can't control, and it hits us one way or another,GÇ¥ Pearl said.-á

Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30.-á

For more information on Relay for Life, visit www.facebook.com/rflskyvalley.-á