Relay's Aim: 'To Get Rid of Cancer Forever'

Kailey Carpenter knows without hesitation why she stayed overnight at Bloomingdale High School with her parents this weekend, "to create some of awareness," she said, "and to get rid of cancer forever."

Carpenter, with her parents Deborah and Brian, were among the hundreds of cancer survivors and volunteers at the 2013 Bloomingdale Relay For Life.

"I hope no one has to deal with cancer again," said Kailey Carpenter, a senior, whose father, Brian, is a kidney cancer survivor. "It's a terrible thing to go through."

Indeed, the passion to fight cancer sprang eternal at this year's Relay, as it has throughout Eastern Hillsborough County in this Relay For Life season and in years past.

• See On View at the 2013 Bloomingdale Relay For Life

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• See FishHawk Creek MOMS Club Relays for Life at Newsome High

• See Cancer Fighters Gearing Up for 2013 Brandon Relay For Life

"I'm walking for my grandpa," said Ian Crumpton, band captain for the Bloomingdale Rajun' Bull Marching Band, who was selling "sax-a-grams" for donations to the cause."I never got to meet him because of cancer."

Teachers from Brooker Elementary School were at Bloomingdale "casting a speall on cancer" at their Harry Potter-themed booth.

"Our team captain is a two-year cancer survivor and I think we've all been touched by by cancer in one way or another, with family members who have either survived or passed on from cancer," said teacher Amy McArthur.

The team's goal is "to make a difference in the county, to give back" and to ensure "that our children, and our students, won't have to deal with cancer" in the future.

Cancer hits home for Deborah Carpenter. Her dad died from brain cancer in July 2011. Her mom is a five-year breast cancer survivor. Her uncle died from colon cancer seven years ago. Her grandmother is a 25-year cancer survivor. Her husband, Brian, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2012.

"Yes, it's everywhere," Deborah Carpenter said.

But fighting cancer "can draw you together and  it can make you appreciate a lot better what's really important," she added. "So what if the floors aren't cleaned? This is life and death."