By Theresa Armstrong

Reporter

tdunn@gcnewsgazette.com

The Grayson County High School football field was lit up with hope, Friday, June 20 during the the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Almost everyone across the globe has had their life touched in one or another by cancer and the Relay for Life remains a way for cancer survivors, caretakers, family members, friends and loved ones gather to honor and remember those who have fought the bravest battle of all.

This years relay raised over $115,548 for the battle against the deadly disease.

Around 7:30 p.m. the Survivor ceremony began with the survivors making a special walk around the track of the football team. Following the survivor walk any one who has helped take care of someone with cancer walked around the track in the Caretakers Walk.

A special luminary ceremony celebrating the survivorship and remembrance of those that fought against cancer was also held.

This ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and courage while work toward a cure for this deadly disease continues.

After sunset luminaries were lit and left glowing throughout the night to remind everyone of the incredible importance of their contributions.

A record 51 camp sites were set up as each group, organization, business, or family that formed a team to show support for the event.

The awards that were given out were:

Most money raised was won by Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center.

The team raised $16,030 for the American Cancer Society. The hospital also was awarded the most spirited team.

Most money raised by a nonprofit team was won by Broadway Baptist Church after that teamraised $6,400.

Most money raised by a family team was raised by the Van Meter family for raising $6,813.

Most luminaries sold by a team was the Carroll Family Team for selling $350 in luminaries.

Best decorated campsite was Leggett and Platt with Caneyville Elementary winning campsite with the best theme.

There were five different levels that the teams could achieve by collecting money.

The teams that achieved the Bronze Level by turning in more than $2,500 a piece were the Bradley Family, the Carroll Family, Houchin # 10, and H.W. Wilkey Elementary.

The teams that achieved the Silver Level by turning in more than $5,000 or more were Broadway Baptist Church, MTD and The Van Meter Family.

The team that achieved the Gold Level by turning in more than $7,500 was Wal-Mart.

Leitchfield Deposit Bank achieved the Platinum Level because that team turned in more than $10,000 and Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center was awarded the Sapphire level because that team turned in more than $15,000.

Relay for Life Chairman Elizabeth Mattingly felt the event went well despite the rain.

"It was a great relay, even with the economy down we raised more money than last year," said Mattingly, "and we had more campsites set up than ever before. I am looking forward to chairing this event next year."