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Relay event forges on despite rain

the Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.

MANSFIELD — Rain and wind gusts may have wreaked havoc in some parts of the region over the weekend, but it didn't deter participants in the ninth annual Windham Relay for Life from walking for a cure. The relay raised money for the American Cancer Society and yielded $189,000 at the week­end-long event, with donations still coming in, said Ken Sayers, media chairman this year. "We were pleasantly surprised. We got off to a slow start, but the turnout was pretty good," Sayers said. Some of the entertainment was canceled because of inclement weather. Organizers hoped to raise $200,000 and top the $190,000 raised locally last year. They were counting on uncollected pledges and corporate donors to reach their target. They are getting closer. Shawn Maynard, event chairman, said they had collected more than $190,000 by this morning. "We will definitely reach our goal of $200,000 and I am confident we'll surpass that," Maynard said. During a 9 a.m. luminary ceremony Saturday, the names of 1,466 people who have had can­cer were read. After latecomers were registered for the event, held at Eastern Connecticut State University's baseball complex in Mansfield, cancer survivors made the first loop around the track at 11 a.m. Saturday. The event ended at the same time Sunday, in the same location. Opening ceremonies were followed by walkers of all ages hitting the track, with team members walking for about two-hour stints throughout the night. "It was drizzling in the morning, but within an hour, the sunstarted peaking out and the rain stopped. When I left they were walking pretty determinably," said Edward Osborn, an Eastern spokesman who was photographing some of the event. By afternoon, the sun had come out and overnight was clear, Maynard said. "The stars were out, it was a beautiful night," he said. Relays are held nationwide throughout the year raising not only money, but awareness. All proceeds benefit cancer re­search, education and advocacy. Windham's relay was one of 43 planned throughout Connecticut in 2005. After the final tally in November, the organization will start planning for next year's relay.

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