VERO BEACH — Although Vero Beach is often referred to as paradise, it is also a place where many people have either had cancer, or supported someone with cancer. Friday night, the beachside community came together in a festive gathering to remember those people at the 8th annual Beaches Relay for Life.
This year’s theme, “On Broadway – The Show Must Go On,” brought out the thespians in this community in an effort to raise funds for cancer research.
“It is a worthwhile cause,” said local resident Andrew Palmacci. “We are out here to celebrate those who have survived cancer and to remember those who are no longer with us.”
Andrea Smith, who co-chaired the event with Rick Hartley, was grateful for the beautiful weather and the turnout.
“We’re really lucky,” said Smith. “We live in a community that really supports this event. The teams really go above and beyond as far as creativity goes. The message is serious, but people have a lot of fun getting into the spirit.”
Following a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, sung by St. Edward’s student Cassidy Layton, local radio personality Hamp Elliott thanked sponsors, including The George E. Warren Corporation, Dale Sorensen Real Estate, and Visiting Nurses Association.
The wistful moan of Michael Hyde’s bagpipes floated over the crowd throughout the evening, but especially during the bittersweet luminaria ceremony, when the candles were lit, and people remembered their own struggle with cancer, or that of a loved one.
Throughout the evening, as participants walked the track, they enjoyed a variety of performances by Oslo Middle School students, singer Jackie Steil, magician Cory Allen, acrobats from the Recreation Department, and the Butterfly sisters.
St. Edward’s students assisted in setting up for the event, served dinner to survivors, and ran a carnival, where the small fry ran off excess energy playing corn hole and jumping around in the bounce house. Several students dressed up in super hero costumes and escorted a young cancer survivor, clad in his own super hero cape, around the track.
Each team raised money during the year, and sold food, lap counting bracelets, or desserts at the event, to raise more funds.
Broadway was well represented by all the teams and included “Wicked,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Chicago.”
The George E. Warren Corporation took on “Grease” as its show of choice (Hopelessly devoted to finding a cure for cancer). “Big Fish,” was interpreted by the realtors of Dale Sorensen Real Estate, who served tacos to the crowd.
In keeping with the Broadway musical theme, Costa d’Este served spring rolls and Seoul water.
Spanish Lakes was commended for raising $100,000 since the beach relay began. “Cats” was its theme, including the tag line, “Avoid a catastrophe, get a ‘cat’ scan.”
Elliot called for survivors to line the track for the opening lap. The Relay began as survivors, dressed in dark purple t-shirts, walked around the track to the applause of the crowd. Caregivers joined the survivors for the second lap, and the Relay began, as the sun sunk into the Indian River Lagoon.
As breezes blew, stars twinkled and a crescent moon rose, team members walked the track throughout the night. The closing ceremonies were held on Saturday morning, as bleary eyed campers gratefully received cups of steaming coffee.
