Relay celebrates life
JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News Joe@gulfbreezenews.com

Photos by David Standridge; Graphic illustration by Nick Stamenkovich The fifth annual Gulf Breeze American Cancer Society Relay For Life brought hundreds of people together to raise money and awareness. The Mighty Monkeys team (top) raised more than $2,000 at the Charity Auction. Jackie Pergande (top right) released a butterfly in memory of those no longer with us. Joanie and Denny Ristow (middle left) share a kiss in celebration of having beaten cancer. Dolphin Stadium became a tent city during the overnight hours, and survivors (below) kicked things off with a procession around the track.

Joanie and Denny Ristow sat proudly underneath the Survivors' tent prior to the start of the fifth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Dolphin Stadium.

Memories swelled in Joanie's head as the retired Gulf Breeze couple prepared to stroll around the track to the sound of a bagpipe Friday evening to begin the 2008 fundraiser.

"I remember the first time I walked around this track (in 2004)," Joanie said. "I started crying. It was incredible . . . a very powerful moment."

David Standridge/Gulf Breeze News Among those celebrating during Relay For Life were (back, from left) Cassie Thomas, Gloria VanLieu and two-time cancer survivor Amanda Thomas, and Sarah Thomas (front).

It was 2001 when Joanie Ristow visited her doctor about a heart problem. As specialists diagnosed that serious problem, a regularly scheduled mammogram revealed that Ristow had breast cancer. Within a week, Ristow underwent dual surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital to repair a faulty heart valve and remove a tumor from her breast.

"I knew I had a heart problem," Joanie said. "but when they slammed me with the news that I had breast cancer, I thought I was going to die. I had to do something."

Thanks to decades of cancer research funded in part by similar Relays For Life across the United States, the expertise of surgeons and her own determination, Joanie beat cancer. She's been clean for seven years and enjoys an active lifestyle.

"I like to ride bikes," Joanie said.

In 2004, however, the Ristows got more bad news when Denny was diagnosed with cancer of the bone marrow. Doctors at Baptist Health and Gulf Breeze Hospital treated Denny, who is cancer-free these days.

So you can imagine the added jump in their step during Friday night's Relay For Life opening ceremony.

"We owe it all to God," Joanie said. "Everyone's been so supportive. We've attended Relay For Life every year it's been in Gulf Breeze. I thank God for all the people who put this on. We're both clean now. It's a blessing."

Hundreds of survivors, family members, students, professionals and other supporters participated in the 18-hour event at Gulf Breeze High School. More than 40 organized teams attempted to raise $120,000 for cancer research. Proceeds fell short of that mark, but organizers plan to continue raising money in the weeks ahead to try to reach the goal.

As darkness enveloped the stadium, the lights were turned out and lighted bags in the visiting grandstand spelled out the words "hope" and "care." Lighted bags along the track carried the names of those who lost their battles with cancer.

Tents protected several church, scout and other groups who camped overnight in the damp air.

"I'm here because a member of my family who I love very much is a cancer survivor," said Nina Ewens, 13, a seventh-grader at Woodlawn Beach Middle School. "I hope a cure can be found for cancer. Things like this can help make that possible."

Saturday, a live butterfly release was held to remember those who have fallen to cancer. Krissy Perry read a poem in honor and memory, then Painted Ladies were released.