Relay for Life raises more than $116K

Held every year at Monroe High School near the end of May, the Sky Valley Relay for Life event is one of Monroe's largest fundraising efforts.

More than 4 million people in more than 20 countries participate in overnight Relay for Life events annually as a way of raising money to support the fight against cancer.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's largest annual fundraiser, supporting research, advocacy and other cancer-related programs.

To symbolize the reality that cancer never sleeps, Sky Valley Relay for Life teams camped out overnight on the Monroe High School football field and walked the track continuously throughout the night.

Total funds raised during this year's Sky Valley Relay for Life topped out at more than $116,130, of which $12,000 was raised by the EvergreenHealth Monroe Hawks.

Led by team captain and EvergreenHealth employee Trisha Burnett, the Hawks were recognized as this year's number one fundraising team. -á -á