The Issaquah Relay for Life once again proved to be a great success. Jenni Nadler with the American Cancer Society said 850 participants raised $226,000 at the close of the event, but donations can be accepted until August, which could raise the number.

Last year the total was $280,000 by the close of the season. For the second year in a row, the event was held at Issaquah High School.

Mayor Fred Butler spoke at the opening ceremonies. Butler has been at Relay Issaquah before, volunteering with the Kiwanis club which operates a concession stand.

Highlights at the event included hair stylist Aaron Ness providing free haircuts for those who donated their locks to Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths program, which collects the hair to make wigs for cancer patients.

A silent auction raised an additional $,2,600, and three teams, all operating under the name Team Maddy, raised $53,000 among them.

Relay for Life, a function of the American Cancer Society, started in Washington state and was the brainchild of Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma. Now, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Teams must keep one person walking on the track all night because “cancer never sleeps.”

Aaron Ness cuts Stacy Strickland’s hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which donates the locks for wigs for cancer patients.

Courtesy Photo