San Saba resident and cancer survivor, Peter Hald, united the people of San Saba County this past Sunday in their fight against cancer. Over $4,500 was raised, with the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of San Saba County.

Peter ran from Cherokee to San Saba, personally raising $2,400 in donations and inspiring residents who lined the path to cheer him on.

The festivities began at noon, with a lunch reception at the Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department. Over 150 came together to support Peter and enjoy a delicious

fajita lunch, provided by the Cherokee ISD Teachers’ Relay For Life team. Lunch sales raised over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society. Two other teams held successful fundraisers at the firehouse. The Cherokee Home

Girls’ Team sold baked goods and embroidered bandanas raising close to $200! Members of the Cherokee Duggan/Morrison Team also raised $130 selling delicious cheesecake, cold drinks and balloons. The day before the Cherokee Home Boys’ Relay team raised over $350 with their car wash.

Peter was introduced to the cheering crowd by Danny Duggan. He was thanked for his inspiration

and courage. The release of balloons marked his sendoff and the beginning of his run.

All along the way, teams participating in the Relay For Life cheered Peter on, and his enthusiasm was evident, as he slowed down to high-five the crowd, and thank them for their support.

After more than 15 miles and approximately three hours and 40 minutes, Peter finished his run. He was welcomed into San Saba by another large crowd that included the San Saba High School Jazz Ensemble. They quite appropriately played the theme to Rocky as Peter made his way to his finish line. He told one of his Relay For Life Teammates that he really needed the crowd’s cheering to make it through the final mile as the wind was brutal.

Supporters then attended a reception at the Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. The theme of this reception was a birthday party, celebrating the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with more birthdays for individuals with cancer.

San Saba’s Mayor, Ken Jordan

presented Peter with an Outstanding Achievement Award. Peter was

also presented with a commemorative $1,000+ Donor shirt and cap from the American Cancer Society by Clarise Ham Kehoe on behalf of the San Saba County Relay For Life Committee.

The Time Travellers Relay For Life team sold hamburger baskets, raising another $330 for the American Cancer Society that evening.

It was a successful day for Peter, for all the teams that held fundraisers, and for the entire County of San Saba because everyone came together and

worked together to make a difference.

The Relay For Life of San Saba County will be held beginning at 6:00p.m. Friday, April 16th through 6:00 a.m. Saturday, April 17th at Risien Park. For more information or to make a donation please contact Clarise Ham Kehoe at clarise.kehoe@yahoo.com or 325-623-5545or visit: www.relayforlife.org/sansabacotx. You may also contact any of the Relay For Life teams as we have teams in San Saba, Cherokee and Richland Springs and they are all trying to

raise monies for this worthy cause.

If you are a cancer survivor, and would like to attend a special celebration Survivor Dinner the night of the Relay, please contact Michele Whitley at fmwhitley@yahoo.com or 325-372-7588.

For more information on the American Cancer Society, please visit www.cancer.org, or call the 24 hour telephone number at 1-800-227-2345.