Damascus High School Athletic and Track Field was an array of purple and gold.  Had you not know what you were attending; you would have thought it was a Lions event.  Cancer Survivors wore purple – a color of survival, the Relay For Life Committee wore Gold. And then there were the purple and gold Lions.
The event Opening Ceremonies was very emotional with heart jerking testimonies.  The DUM Church chorus provided beautiful music.  The Survivors were the first to walk around the track entering under an arch of purple balloons. Some were on crutches and wheelchairs, some waking slowly, some rode a gator while others walked at a fast gait.  Students presented each walker with a purple carnation and those attending applauded the survivors’ efforts and winsome ways.

There were over 50 teams who had received pledges and donations, one of which had collected over $23,000. They were the Dos Amigos, a team formed in memory of two best friends who died within months of each other.  The entire Relay was estimating that they would reach $200,000 for the Damascus Relay event.
All for the benefit of finding a CURE!

The Lions shared a canopy with the American Cancer Society. The Cancer Society handed out fruit while the Lions handed out snacks and water.  Although a few walkers had no problems stopping by frequently, most walkers had to be encouraged to take something free.
The cost of the event to the Lions was $138.  Leftover snacks were donated to the Lions Golf Tournament Goody Bags.
Thanks to Tom Jackson, Bill Mahylis, Pattu Durairaj, Fran Burlas and Midge Tench for their help in setting up, packing up and giving out snacks.