By George Slaughter
Katy Ward A Council Member Dan Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris, Mayor Bill Hastings, and Ward B Council Member Rory Robertson joined the festivities at the Katy Relay for Life event. (Brenda Martin photo)
Other than a brief roll-through of heavy clouds, Saturday afternoon was a good time to take a walk in Katy City Park. Many did so for the Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Despite it being called a relay, Relay for Life is a family-friendly, non-competitive event designed to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who lost their battle with cancer, and raise money to help find a cure.
For one of the Katy event organizers, cancer is a personal issue. Brenda Martin is the founder of Team KT, the name of which has an obvious Katy connotation. But there’s more to it than that. Martin’s husband Tal is the “T.” Earlier this year he died of cancer. Sunday was his birthday.
The “K” is for Kim France, who was best friends with Martin’s daughter. France was diagnosed with cancer and died before the 2018 event.
The event is not simply to remember those lost, but also to honor the survivors and caregivers. As part of the opening ceremonies, cancer survivors and caregivers were invited to walk the first lap.
The event ran into the evening and also had closing ceremonies. Food and drinks were donated, with local officials lending their presence to support the cause.
Martin said many Relay for Life events are still virtual due to the pandemic. But in Katy, the show went on in person.
Planning for the 2022 event will soon be underway and donations are still being accepted. For more information visit the website.