Relay can't be stopped this time around

Rain may have dampened Cape Coral's original Relay For Life but it didn't wash out the spirit.

Relay For Life of Cape Coral, Surviving the Storm fundraiser drew crowds today to Cape Harbor looking to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Cape Coral's original Relay For Life on May 14 had to be cut short because of lightning, leaving organizers about $20,000 short of their goal. When participants that day left the Ida Baker High School gym, they found 30-40 tents destroyed.

"We were going to wait it out but all the tents have been blown away," said Donna Germain, co-event chairwoman. "There was no way to salvage."

The event also was cut short before the luminaria ceremony, a tradition for relay events.

As a result, the event at Cape Harbor had white and purple sand-filled paper bags lining the walking route. The bags held candles dedicated to loved ones lost to cancer.

"It really came together fairly fast," said Germain about hosting a new event. "Cape Harbor was the first place we called and they were glad to help."

The event had to be scaled down to fit the venue, with walkers making their way along a small cobblestoned route.

Organizers made up the $20,000 shortfall before the event started, raising $150,000, slightly more than their overall goal of $147,000.

Many participants at Relay For Life are touched in some way by cancer.

"I was helping a friend of mine with the event and unfortunately I was diagnosed," said Olga Lamaritata, a cancer survivor and Cape Coral resident in her fourth year working with Relay For Life.

"After that every single amount we can raise, it's good for all of us."

"Everyone's life has been touched," said Annie Howe, team captain for Suncoast Federal Credit Union. "I have a good friend in stage 3 (cancer) and an aunt who died from cancer. So anything we can do to raise money for research."