Viewfinder: Bloomingdale Relay for Life

She's been participating in the Relay for Life for 10 years, ever since her father died of pancreatic cancer. But this was the first time Kim Stromberg participated as a cancer survivor.

Stromberg was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. At the Bloomingdale Relay for Life March 25 at Bloomingdale High School, she wore a sign around her neck designating her a one-year cancer survivor. And, for the first time, she walked the survivors lap, joining dozens of other cancer survivors celebrating their struggles with and victories over cancer.

"That first relay after my father died had very special meaning for me," said Stromberg. "But this year as survivor is also very special."

Event chairwoman Pam Farinas said this year's Bloomingdale Relay for Life was one of the most successful to date with 53 teams signing up to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

"Last year we had 45 teams so we're very pleased with the response this year," said Farinas. Prior to the start of the relay, the teams had raised $65,000. Their goal was to raise $97,000 this year. To that end, teams continued raising funds, selling everything from butter beer to bracelets made from ribbons and soda can tabs.

Among those on hand for the event was this year's survivor chairwoman, Bloomingdale High School teacher Candice Remmert, a four-year cancer survivor.

"This whole event is about the survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer," said Remmert, introducing two Bloomingdale High School students who have survived battles with cancer.

Freshman Adam Lambert never suspected he had cancer when his leg began hurting the summer of 2009.

"The doctors did tests and found out I had osteocarcinoma, bone cancer," he said. "I went into treatment and the chemo made me so sick that I really couldn't go to school that year. But the chemo ended in July and I was able to come to school this year."

Bloomingdale senior Kat Thompson can sympathize with Lambert. Four years ago she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

"I went through two treatments of radiation," she said. And, while fighting for her life, Thompson said she realized how precious life is.

"Life's too short not to live it to the fullest," she said.

Around the track of Bloomingdale High School, teams set up camp sites in preparation for spending the night. Under the relay rules, a member of each team must walk the track at all times during the 18-hour event.

While team members walked the track, others sold items to raise more money for the American Cancer Society.

A team from Brooker Elementary School made and sold their soda tab bracelets for $5 each.

"It was any easy fundraiser," said Lindsey Brown as she working on a bracelet. "It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to make a bracelet."

Charles McDermott supported his won team, Rainbows for a Cure, by purchasing a cup of butter beer.

Team captain Stephanie Tapley of Bloomingdale High School said the team chose a Medieval theme this year. Members dressed as princesses and paupers for the event and sold their own butter beer concoction made from cream soda and real butter, along with chocolate-covered Oreo cookies and pretzels.

"Overall, we've raised about $1,150," said Tapley.

Across the field, the Sforzando String Quartet, a foursome of Bloomingdale High School musicians, took donations for song requests while Mark Figueroa, wearing a plastic conquistador's hat, dished out heaping helpings of roast pork, rice and beans for his daughter, Hillarie's, team, Conquistadors for a Cure.

"This is her party," said Figueroa, indicating his daughter. "I'm just a grunt."

The top fundraising teams at this year's Bloomingdale Relay for Life were Cimino Elementary School, the Cougar Cubs and Lithia Springs Elementary School. Top individual fundraisers were Amanda Renner, Cheryl Kehrmeyer and Michele Buch.

Team and individual awards will be presented Monday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School.