Hawai‘i’s newest Relay For Life brought together the rural North Shore of Kaua‘i to celebrate, remember, and fight back.

While a few people had relayed before, most were seeing and feeling the magic of the American Cancer Society’s signature event for the first time. And the night was magical.

Opening ceremonies led by event chairs Frani Forde-Denny and Sandy Diego set the tone, with survivor Jim Jung and Guardian Angels member Joe Kanahele presenting the colors, a delightful surprise of Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. singing “Hawai‘i Pono‘i,” Nalani Ka‘auwai Brun leading “The Star Spangled Banner” and a blessing by emcee Lady Ipo Kahaunaele in both English and Hawaiian.

State Rep. Mina Morita, D-Kapa‘a-Hanalei, of Hanalei Valley, came early to help with the Picture a Cure advocacy project, in memory of her mom and in honor of two sisters. County Councilmember Derek Kawakami chatted with North Shore residents.

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(Source: Mary Williamson, Special to The Garden Island)