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Weather heats up Wichita Relay for Life

July 15, 2011|By Megan Strader | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — It was an enthusiastic start, to a challenging night.

Cancer survivors kicked off Wichita's Relay for Life on Friday by taking the first lap.

The 12 hour walking event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is usually held in June. This year, it was moved to July.

"This is the hottest relay I can remember," says Dee Turner.

This is her fifth time walking. She took to the track at Cessna stadium with dozens of others with temperatures still lingering around the 100 degree mark. The surface temperature on the track was up to 120 degrees.

"When we've hit 20 days with hundred degree weather we knew we were in for warm one," said Danielle Nance. "We've got plenty of water on both ends for the participants and survivors to stay really hydrated and cool."

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She and other organizers say the safety of participants is their top priority. And despite the hot temperatures, they add attendance has stayed up.

"Cancer doesn't sleep and it doesn't stop and it doesn't wait for cooler weather and so here we all are, raising money and trying to make a difference."

People like Dee, who's walking for the first time, as a cancer survivor. Cancer didn't stop her and neither will heat.

"Hot or cold, rain or shine, doesn't matter. I'll keep doing it . That's the reason we're here."

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