Relay for Life
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Since 2001, BP has participated in this fun and important event to fight cancer, and continues to contribute by sponsoring the event and by matching the fund raising efforts of its employees.
“There are more than 4,000 BP employees living in the Katy/West Houston area, and all of them probably have been touched by cancer,” said Dave Rainey, the honorary chair of the Relay for Life of Katy, which raises money and awareness for cancer research. Speaking specifically to the survivors in a large and enthusiastic crowd at VFW Park in Katy, Texas, Friday night, Rainey said, “You inspire us – you make us proud – and you are the living proof that we will win this battle.”
Rainey’s words set the stage for a night of laughter, tears and camaraderie. From 7 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, cancer survivors, along with their caregivers, families and friends, walked the circular pathway through the park, commemorating their battles with cancer.
‘Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back’
The theme for the relay, like that of the other 21 Relays for Life that occur each year in the Houston area, was “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.” The night’s events followed the theme by celebrating the lives of survivors, remembering those who ultimately lost their battles, and fighting back through awareness and the funding of cancer research. All monies collected by the relays are donated to the American Cancer Society for cancer research.
BP has been a gold sponsor of the Katy Relay for Life since 2001, when Al Apodaca, crisis-management advisor of the GoM SPU, and his partner Steve Langley, now retired, asked BP to participate. Apodaca is the coordinator of the event for BP teams. This year, 10 BP teams (about 85 people) participated in the relay, raising more than $30,000 in donations.
Catherine Kellman, administrative assistant for HR and employee relations, was on hand for the second time this year, bringing her son and cousin. “Our family has seen cancer on every side. We lost a cousin to cancer and have both an aunt and an uncle diagnosed. You can bet that I’ll be here every year,” Kellman said.
Michael Sadler, internal control and assurance, and Bonita Scudella, business project manager, represented members of the new BP Trailblazers Team. Trailblazers are BP employees who have relocated to Houston from another BP location in the United States. “We have about 60 members, and 12 participated in the relay,” said Sadler, who also hopes to return next year.
Wanda Fontenot, administrative assistant and part of the Wyoming Team, oversaw a group of 26, each of whom had signed up for a 30-minute shift during the night. “It’s our third year to participate. We make it a team-building and family event,” she said.
Celebratory walk
The night began with the recognition of cancer survivors in a variety of ways, including identifying and applauding the youngest (5 years old) and oldest (89 years old) survivors at the Katy event. As the survivors made the first, celebratory walk around the track, the five-year-old walked, hand in hand, with a young friend.
Paper-bag luminarias, with candles inside, lined the track. Each bag identified a loved one lost to the disease, often with colorful drawings and touching expressions of love. The luminarias were lighted after darkness fell – in an emotional ceremony that included music from the BP Choir. The choir sang “Climb Every Mountain,” “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” “This Little Light of Mine” (with the words changed to address the fight against cancer), and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
by Denise Allen Zwicker
Information and donation website.
Read more: Cancer Doesn't Stop for Nighttime
Event Date: April 9 & 10