Malmstrom, community members walk for a cure

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A cloud of balloons filled the air above a sea of pink and purple as hundreds of cancer survivors, including some of Malmstrom's own, took to the path of this year's Relay for Life at the Montana Expo Park. 

Relay for Life is an overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society, according to www.cancer.org. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one member on the track at all times. 

The event featured guest speakers to kick off the night. Stories of survival, perseverance and strength filled the Expo Park and helped remind participants what they were working toward - a cure for this disease that afflicts so many. 

As the event inched into dusk, hundreds of luminaries were lit around the track. The luminaries were paper bags, decorated with names and pictures of cancer survivors, and victims, with candles placed inside. 

Many members of the Great Falls community and Team Malmstrom joined together to participate in this kind-hearted event. Teams could register months before the event to allow time to raise money. 

The 341st Medical Group not only had two teams participating, but was also sponsored by TriWest, a western affiliate of TRICARE, for $5,000. 

TriWest contacted the medical group and sponsored the teams that participated in the Relay for Life, said Tech. Sgt. Heidi Gee, 341st Medical Support Squadron and Relay for Life team captain. TriWest had budgeted to contribute to the American Cancer Society so they instead presented Col. Bradley Herremans, 341st MDG commander, with a check during a quarterly visit. 

The 'Mighty Medics' raised a total of $7,535.36; $5,000 from TriWest and the additional $2,535.36 was raised through fundraisers such as a chili cook-off, Thai luncheon, honoree wall, donut sales and cancer survivor bags, said Kim Jolly, 341st MDG resource advisor and team captain for one of the medical group's teams. 

Relay for Life teams could include no more than 15 members, so the medical group had to register as two groups. 

"We were forced to register as two teams, but always operated as one," Ms. Jolly said. 

For more information about the Relay for Life or how to get started in preparation for next year's event, visit www.relayforlife.org/ relay/.