Relay for Life 2007

A big thanks to everyone that came out, and especially those who donated, the relay was quite a success. As a team we ended up raising over $16,000, which is amazing. The event as a whole raised more than $100,000!!

The event itself was really fun. My family, friends, and the gents at Pi Kappa Alpha set up camp on the football field Friday evening, we had several large tents, tables, and a tons of camping chairs:


The opening cermonies were nice, and my Mom got forced into giving a nice speech. She was nervous but did great:


Afterwards we had a lap just for survivors, which was really cool. All the survivors in attendance got together and did the first lap of the night. I chatted with several, and they were suprised that I was up and walking so soon after a transplant (me too!)


After that we had a ceremonial lap with family, followed by a lap with the whole crew. These were all the Pikes that came out, they've been big supporters, and are great guys. I'm the guy with the goofy purple shirt in the middle:


The remainder of the night was spent chatting with friends and family, and walking a ton. We had a great crew, and no problem keeping people on the track all night. A huge thanks to all these guys, they've been my biggest supporters all along, and it was great hang out in a non-hospital setting!
My bro's Chris and Mike, and his girl Kristin did many laps, including some crucial early morning ones. My Nana and Papa, cousins Jill, Brittany and Corey, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Jim, and of course the Dergosits (extended family) came out and walked several laps, which was great. Mike's buddies Andre and Michelle added some comic relief and also walked a bunch:





A big surprise was my buddy Adam showing up. He had recent surgery on his back, but was super motivated to get out and do a couple laps, which he did very successfully. His parents, and fiancee Jill also walked most of the night, they're awesome:


The current Pikes were awesome too, they were a huge part of the success. They set up, walked, cooked and made coffee all night, as well as getting in some quality games of wiffle ball and horseshoes.

Again a big thanks to everyone who came, donated, and those who were here in spirit, it made the event such a success. My Mom, Dad, and Sean did quite a bit of work to pull everything off, and it was great. We're already looking forward to next year!