South Cobb Celebrates in Relay For Life

Nineteen teams from all over South Cobb walked several laps in the Cobb County annual Relay for Life event, which started Friday at 7 p.m. and lasted until 7 a.m. at Marietta's Jim Miller Park.

Relay for Life is the signature event for the American Cancer Society and is symbolic of the battle that cancer survivors, patients and their loved ones endure. Throughout the event, one member of every team must be on the track walking laps at all times.

Before the event, participants raise money, which goes towards cancer research. By the time the event began on Friday, participants had already raised $600,000.

During the event, the various teams find creative ways to raise additional monies as well. s team took “red-carpet” photos since this year’s theme was Hollywood, and sold coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts by the box.

Kathy O'Hara-Rosa, an ESOL teacher at , who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, was one of 11 Torch Bearers who joined a band of bagpipers in leading the lumniaria procession and received certificates on the main stage.

Just as much as Relay for Life is inspiring, it’s also bunches of fun for members of the community to unite for such a great cause, said Michelle Moday, who served as team captain for Mableton Elementary this year.

With bands playing fun music throughout the night and fun events like an “American Gladiators” style bounce house and plenty of dancing, it’s a great to realize that the event is a celebration, one of survival, remembrance and hope.