Walk Strong

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press The atmosphere ranged from silly to celebratory to somber at Saturday’s 18-hour Relay For Life in Copperas Cove. The infield of S.C. Lee Junior High’s Hanke Stadium was lined with various canopies which served as the home base for more than two dozen teams that took to the track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s relay had a fundraising goal of $30,000 and the organizing committee had high  opes that the teams would not just meet that goal, but surpass it, said April Kellum, director of marketing for the Cove event. Robyn Trippe with the American Cancer Society  said that amount will go higher. As of the close of the event on Sunday, Copperas Cove Relay for Life had raised $30,300, and will have an estimated total of $32,000 after all funds have been officially reported by all teams. After the opening ceremony, Copperas Cove Mayor John Hull led the way on the survivors’ lap, which is the customary beginning to the relays nationwide. Followed by the survivors’ lap, ca regivers  were invited to jump onto the track to walk with their survivors.