Angels of Hope' raise money for cancer research

The "Angels of Hope" Relay for Life team raised more than $8,000, their best yet, for cancer research during the annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, held May 16 and 17 in Okanogan.

This is the ninth year the Angels of Hope have raised money and walked in the Relay for Life, said team member Verlee Cavadini. They were among 27 teams participating; teams hold fundraisers before the relay and then walk around the track from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. The 2008 Relay for Life raised more than $60,000, Verlee said. The Angels of Hope participated in the group's silent auction and had a separate drawing. Bette Hayes won a Bose radio and Melissa Kennedy won a large gift basket.

Walking all night means camping out, and each team decorates their campsite around the theme, which this year was "Alien-ate Cancer." The Angels had plenty of aliens around their tent and took first place for the best decorated campsite, Verlee said.

One of the highlights of the relay is lighting the luminaries, candles that are placed around the Okanogan High School track and lit in memory of cancer victims and survivors. The Angels of Hope set up special candles at their campsite in honor of team members Elizabeth Bisque and Marge Fuhrman, who are battling cancer, and three deceased team members, Shirlee Cartwright, Linda Clayton and Olive Schmidt. Each of the 27 teams lit a special luminary in honor of Linda, who was a former Relay for Life director.

The Angels of Hope held a team barbecue on Friday night, which was "enjoyed by all," Verlee said. Ron Bisque helped out and was the team's "Mr. Relay." The Cavadini Partnership is the team's sponsor.