SEQUIM — The Sequim Relay For Life made about $18,000 to go toward cancer research during the 24 hours of walking at Sequim High School.
The walk was themed “The American Cancer Society: The Official Sponsor of Birthdays” — because better treatment and diagnosis have allowed more birthdays after cancer has been discovered.
The event included clowns, balloons, birthday cakes, cupcakes, a backward lap and a Mad Hatter tea party.
Not everything was lighthearted, though.
The group also took time to remember those who were lost to cancer and a special lap in honor of Robert Couch, a Sequim man who died in June after a four-year battle with a cancerous brain tumor, said Susan Van Ausdle, chairwoman of the event.
“We were down a little bit from our [fundraising] expectations, but I understand that it is happening in many areas with today’s economy,” she said.
A total of 10 teams kept walkers going around the track for several hours, but because of the unexpected heat wave, some people weren’t able to stay as long as they hoped, Van Ausdle said.
“With the temperature being what it was a lot of them didn’t stay a long time, but it still went well, and we were all doing OK,” she said.
They money earned through the relay goes to the American Cancer Society, Van Ausdle said.
Beyond the research done by the society, the money also helps patients receive treatment, makeup kits, wigs and a host of other services.
The Sequim Relay For Life is the last of the events on the North Olympic Peninsula this summer.
Events were held earlier in Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Forks.