Just look at us now!
Published 10:22 am Monday, July 18, 2016
- In a show of unity, Northampton County Relay for Life officials Laquitta Green-Cooper (left) and Marla Jerman join hands as Jerman talks about the overall success of the annual event, now in its fifth year. | Staff Photos by Keith Hoggard
JACKSON – Relay for Life of Northampton County celebrated its success Tuesday night at the J.W. Faison Center by paying tribute to individuals, event leaders, team captains, team members, survivors, caretakers, sponsors, volunteers, families and friends that took part in the annual event held this past May.
Event Leader and Chairwoman Marla Jerman announced that Relay for Life exceeded all goals this year.
“Our goal was to raise $55,000 to fight cancer this year. We exceeded our goal. The corporation [American Cancer Society] set our goal at $60,000. We exceeded that goal, too.”
Jerman said, “We, all of us in this room tonight, raised $65, 144.33 to fight cancer. “Thank you all so very much.”
Jerman then presented awards to dozens of individuals and groups.
For Jerman, Relay for Life represents far more than raising funds to fight cancer. It is a message of hope.
Shamyra Wright (left) was recognized as “Miss Kidsfest” when Northampton County Relay for Life held its annual year-end wrap-up in Jackson on Tuesday. Presenting the award is Sheena Jerman.
“More people are surviving the fight and new discoveries are helping people win the fight thanks to the funds we and other Relay for Life groups raise,” Jerman said. “Cancer is survivable and organizations like this are giving hope to people.”
This year’s Survivor of the Year is James Deloatch, who entertained the sizeable audience with a song.
All survivors and caregivers were honored for their efforts to keep hope alive for themselves and others through their personal fights with cancer.
Every individual and team was recognized for the funds they raised to making Northampton County’s Relay for Life such a success this year,
The All Star Club Members this year, those who raised at least $2,500, are Patricia E. Harrison, Marla H. Jerman, and the Rev. George M. Jerman Sr.
This year’s Grand Club Members, those who raised $1,000 or more to fight cancer, are Patricia E. Harrison, Marla H. Jerman, Rev. George M. Jerman Sr., Natarshua Stevenson, Genora E. Wood, Edith Coates, Louise Darden, Gizelle D. Jerman, Mauri A. Jerman, and Jaykin M. Jerman.
Patricia E. Harrison, Family First Relay for Life (Rich Square) Team Captain, was honored for her outstanding fundraising and named Miss Relay for Life.
Shamyra Wright was recognized as “Miss Kidsfest.” She is the daughter of Marvin and Sharonda Shearin and is a fifth grader at KIPP Pride. She is also a member of the Lucy F. Gleaners Branch 91 in Seaboard.
Other young people recognized were nine-year-old Gizelle D. Jerman, Mauri A. Jerman (age 6) and Jaykin M. Jerman (age 5). They are the children of Sheena Jerman, daughter-in-law of Marla. They the first children to become Grand Club members and Sheena is the Youth Champion for her work to get more children involved in Relay for Life.
Laquitta Green-Cooper, the Fund and Mission leader, was recognized for her initiative to found Relay for Life in Northampton County five years ago.
“She started Relay for Life here,” Jerman said, “and look at us now.”
Northampton County Relay for Life has met its goals every year and had raised over $200,000 prior to this year’s May 13-14 event in the battle against cancer.