When Hilda Pouli, a member of the Arlington Church, recently lost her battle with cancer, Arlington members knew they wanted to do something to honor Hilda's battle.
Kathy Patrick, another Arlington member who is battling cancer, found out about the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life," a 24-hour fundraising walk to support cancer research, and she immediately knew how the church could honor Hilda's memory while helping others.
This cause is especially important to Arlington because during the last year cancer has claimed the lives of two church members and affected the lives of at least four others. Soon "Hilda's Brigade" collected a walking team of 17 church members and several non-members just in time for the upcoming regional walk. Along with supplying participants for "Relay for Life," the Arlington Church also raised $1,600 in a week's time.
In June, the northern regional "Relay for Life" was held at Marysville, Wash., Pilchuck High School. Hundreds of cancer survivors and supporters participated, including Arlington's team, Hilda's Brigade.
For most of the nearly 200 cancer survivors who participated in "Relay for Life," faith was evident and smiles were on their faces because, with God's help, they are fighting to survive.
Five Arlington Church cancer survivors sit together with other cancer survivors and friends at the Relay for Life cancer walk, from left: (front) Linda Taylor, Kathy Patrick, Tom Schreiffels, Christopher Briant; (back) Manford Pouli. (Dave Patrick)
The survivors lap consisted of more than 200 cancer survivors. (Dave Patrick)
All these people have or have had cancer, yet are smiling. (Dave Patrick)
After walking 21 miles in rain and darkness, cancer survivor Kathy Patrick is ready to repeat the 24-hour cancer walk next year. (Dave Patrick)
