For 10 years, the members of the Merz family have been involved in the Fairless Hills outing of the Relay For Life as part of the Wholly Walkamolies team.
The name is silly, but their dedication and passion for finding a cure for cancer is unquestionable.
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Ten years ago, Linda Merz’s brother-in-law was a sponsor of the relay and the family came out to support Fred Fletcher and see what Relay For Life was all about. The next year, Fletcher was a chairman and the Merz family has been knee deep in the race for a cure ever since.
The Merzs keep their eyes out for new fundraising opportunities all year. This year, in addition to previous fundraising work, Casey Merz, the captain of team Wholly Walkamolies, put together two raffles for the actual relay: a date night basket as well as four hours of certified babysitting, which is being donated by Casey herself.
As for the actual event, the Merzs treat the 24-hour relay as a family affair. They all get together and spend the day on Falcon Field at Pennsbury High School in Falls Township starting Saturday morning. Overnight, they sleep in a tent they brought.
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“It’s something we look forward to all year,” said Ken Merz.
“Everyone here knows someone who has been impacted by cancer,” said Linda Merz.
The positive energy of the day and different events help to improve the mood though, the Merz family agreed.
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One of the high points of the event happened Saturday night during the Luminaria Ceremony, where candles dedicated to those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer, or otherwise dealing with cancer, lit up the stadium.
The Merz aren’t alone. More than 40 teams and hundreds of participants have worked to over $114,000 for the Relay For Life. The funds will go fund the fight against cancer.
The Merzs never see themselves abandoning the relay.
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“Until they find a cure, this is for a lifetime. We want to see a cure,” Linda Merz said. “Once you’re involved, it’s hard not to be involved. It’s always going to be there,” Casey Merz added.
In addition to raising money for the fight, the actual event brings families and the community together, the Merzs said.
“It’s great to get the family together for the weekend in a way that actually provides a service to the community,” Ken Merz said.
