Relay for Life kicked off in Brown County Friday night at Gordon Wood Stadium celebrating survivors of cancer, those who lost their battle fighting it and those who cared for them.

The annual event this year honored the memory of Diane Franklin who lost her battle to cancer last year.  Her family was present to accept a plaque honoring her including her father and his wife Mr. and Mrs. Bill Swindler along with Diane’s brother Michael Swindler (see video of presentation below).  An additional plaque was presented to students from Brownwood High School where it will hang to honor her memory and involvement, especially as longtime cheer sponsor, at BHS.

Survivors were honored in a special presentation including adult survivor Amanda Leija and child survivor Landry Holden who both arrived at the event via helicopter. They too were presented with a plaque commemorating the event and their struggle fighting cancer as well as a specially made blanket made from previous Relay for Life shirts.

KOXE radio announcer Barry Rose was also presented with a blanket as a “thank you” for his year of support for the event.  Volunteers who raised over $1000 each individually were also recognized.

The theme of this year’s event was “Don’t Gamble with Cancer,” and continued the annual tradition of fundraising for the American Cancer Society.  According to organizers, there were approximately 40 teams registered.  There were activities, food, a silent auction, and some first-time additions to the Relay which began at 7 PM on Friday and will run through 7 AM on Saturday.

After special recognitions, survivors walked the traditional first lap of the event followed by a lap honoring their care takers and a third lap honoring children who fight the disease each year (a new tradition being added to the relay this year).  Survivors were also presented with a medal after their survivor lap.

In addition to the usual schedule of events, this year, a health fair was added to the relay activities which began at 4 PM.

Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society where individuals and teams walk/run overnight to show their commitment in the fight against cancer and to help raise money for cancer research and support.

Top photo shows child survivor Landry Holden (far left) and adult survivor Amanda Leija (far right) set to lead the survivor lap.

Please see the photo gallery below along with a video of the presentation to Diane Franklin’s family.

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