Whidbey Islanders’ fight against cancer got a big boost this weekend when Relay for Life raised $59,126.

During the two-day relay, members of 38 teams sauntered and strolled, jogged and ran the track at North Whidbey Middle School. Teams came from businesses, banks, churches, Navy commands and “just folks,” according to Myrna Wilson and Yvonne Musgrove, Relay co-chairs.

“The support we get from this community is pretty amazing,” Musgrove said. “When we see how many people support the fight against cancer, it’s overwhelming.”

It’s worth the work,” Wilson added.

“It’s nice to talk to people about why they are involved,” Musgrove said on Saturday. “I talked to one woman whose mother died of lymphoma two weeks ago. She’s out here today. She’s been so busy, she hasn’t had time to grieve. At the pancake breakfast this morning, everyone gave her a hug. I think that helped her.”

Relay opened with a victory lap by “at least 50” cancer survivors, Wilson said. Friday night about 10 p.m., luminarias were lit around the track to honor those who lost their battles with cancer.

“It was pretty solemn and quiet here when the list of names was being read,” Musgrove said. “But people kept going all night. Not just walking but sitting out and cheering other people on.”

Cheering and keeping folks motivated is a big part of Relay for Life. Besides awards for most funds raised and most laps completed, there were awards for the best decorated site, the most team spirit and the best costumes.

NAMTRAGRU’s theme was “Make cancer ancient history.” Team members were dressed as Caesar, Aphrodite, Maximus and Alexander the Great along with Knights of the Roundtable.

Navy Federal Credit Union clowns skipped around the track, their frizzy wigs bobbing.

Besides getting pledges for walking and running, Relay team members held everything from garage sales and car washes to hot dog lunches and bake sales to raise funds. Soroptimist and Venture Club members sold socks decorated with pink ribbons, the symbol for breast cancer. “The sock sales were very successful,” said Dr. Dawn Massey, a Soroptimist. She added that almost everyone in the clubs knows people who have fought with cancer — including Soroptimist President Sue Riney.

Oak Harbor’s Crab Queens were in their tiaras and “Saturday casual” jewels. Boss Queen, however, wore her full-formal finery. “It’s never too early for off-the-shoulder,” she stated while gliding around the track. The Crab Queens didn’t solicit pledges. “People gave us money in homage,” Southern Belle Queen sighed happily.

All the action wasn’t just on the track. Kids played touch football on the infield and dug in sandpits. There were beanbag tosses and other games. Ubi the clown had regular lines for balloon animals. “It’s definitely family-friendly,” Wilson said. “Cancer is serious, but we want people to have fun at Relay for Life.”

One young lady took Relay for Life very seriously. Saturday morning, Abby Lindsey, 10, walked 32 laps (8 miles) in about two hours. “I’m just so proud of her,” Abby’s mom Donna beamed. Abby, a fourth-grader at Oak Harbor Elementary School, walked for her mother and grandmother — both cancer survivors. “I walked because other people helped my mom and grandma get cured,” Abby said. Abby’s grandmother survived cervical cancer. Donna is a Sweet 16 survivor of thyroid cancer. Last year she went through treatment for cancer in her lymph system.

“Abby got a blister on her foot, but she kept walking,” Donna said.

“It didn’t hurt too much,” Abby said. “Every lap, people cheered me on.”

Abby said she wasn’t too worried last year when her mother fought cancer. “I knew she would make it,” Abby said. “I was proud when she won over cancer but I knew she would.” The Lindseys, Donna, Abby and dad James, were part of Oak Harbor United Methodist Church’s team.

Despite all the fun and games in the area, people kept cruising around the track to cheers, whistles and clapping.

The Langvold family from Coupeville, Rich, Beverly and 6-year-old Gunnar, took advantage of the breeze to fly their colorful kites. Beverly was taking a break from her track duties. Why was Beverly at Relay for Life?

“I had breast cancer. I’m out here to get a cure so other women don’t have to go through mastectomies,” she said.

Squinting in the sun, Myrna Wilson said, “Last night’s victory lap proved we can beat cancer. But we still have work to do.”

Donations can still be made through the end of August at any branch of Whidbey Island Bank.