Relay for Life

Kirkland Cancer Center Team

Story & Photography by Amber Storey-Knight

Billed as “The Largest Tailgate Party in Madison County,” Relay for Life took over the Farmers’ Market to celebrate the kickoff of the official Relay for Life 2016 season. Chairman A. J. Massey commenced proceedings with heartfelt thanks to his Event Leadership Team followed by a Ribbon Cutting.  The survivor tent was full, each person having an emotional story about their battle with cancer. The survivor walk was greeted with deafening applause as they strode triumphantly through the Farmers’ Market, continuing laps for 30 minutes.

With more than 40 tents and booths in and around the Farmers’ Market, all sporting the tailgate theme, it looked and felt like a huge party complete with corn holes, games of all descriptions, food, vendors, music and an enormous American flag crowning the event.

Seventy-two teams with 635 participants raised $150,777. The Presenting Sponsor was West Tennessee Healthcare and The Kirkland Cancer Center. Top Participants were Heather Ingram, Cheryl Turner & Kelli Maitland. Top Teams were WTH Pharmacy, Kirkland Cancer Center & Antonia’s Paw Spa “Bark For Life.” The motto for Relay for Life is Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.