by Sgt. Kevin McSwain
210th MPAD
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq—The fight against cancer came here to Stadium Field on Aug. 18 and 19.
Sgt. 1st Class Carolina Castle said approximately 60 teams participated in the 12-hour Relay for Life event to raise money for cancer research. She said that more than 600 servicemembers collected almost $25,000 in donations for the American Cancer Society.
Castle, who organized the first-ever Relay for Life in Iraq, is part of the 50th Engineer Company, a bridge building unit, from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
"I am so grateful for all of the servicemembers' support," Castle said. "Without the dedication of everyone, this would not have been possible."
Relay for Life is an overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society, Castle said. During the event, teams of people gather and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
The team with the most laps was Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 32nd Signal Battalion, which ran 1,305 total laps.
Chief Warrant Officer Dustin Goff traveled the farthest with 212 laps (53 miles). Brian Furber traveled 175 laps (43.75 miles). Chief Warrant Officer Carl F. Anderson had the third most of any individual with 172 laps (43 miles). And Chief Warrant Officer William J. Roell came in fourth with 155 laps (36.25 miles).
Throughout the event, Castle stressed the importance of fighting cancer.
"The fight against cancer is an important battle that we can not stop fighting until everyone is safe," said Castle.
Col. Mark W. Hampton, commander of the 35th Area Support Group, praised Castle for her hard work.
"The spearhead of the whole event was Sgt. 1st Class Castle," he said.