Relay for Life raises hopes and $35,000

Whitman Relay for Life marked its 15th year Friday night with 377 participants registered to compete in 17 different teams.

Cancer survivors take the first lap on the CHS track behind the banner carried by Gail Webster and Kylie Allenbach before relay teams from around the county began their overnight relay walks.

At left, are 15-month-old Matthew Storment with his great-grandmother, Joyce Colvin of Endicott, and his mother, Jennifer Storment of Pullman. Matthew is a cancer survivor because his mother underwent operations for melanoma while she was pregnant with him.

At right, Jorga Koerner of Colfax, Selma Martinsdottis and Alysha Rosio, both of Moscow, served as the advance trio for the Top Notch team.

Teams begin to take to the track at the conclusion of the opening ceremonies. Proceeds for the overall event are expected to total close to $35,000 for the American Cancer Society.