POCATELLO — For Boy Scouts from Troop 315, the Pocatello Relay for Life is both a tribute to a cancer victim and a celebration for a survivor.
Scout leader John Crawford and his 15-year-old son Zachary Crawford will honor Richard Zimmer, Zachary’s grandfather, who died from cancer nearly two years ago, and his grandmother, Peg Zimmer, is traveling to Pocatello from Hanover, Penn., to attend the event, which kicks off Friday at Century High School.
“Zachary wanted to do this in memory of his grandfather,” John said.
Assistant Scoutmaster Jason Critser will also be recognized as a cancer survivor during the event. Critser was treated for melanoma, skin cancer.
Part of the Holy Spirit Catholic Community, the two teams from Troop 315, have raised about $1,100. Eight-year-old Alex Crawford sold cookies and pop at a yard sale and earned $50 for the teams.
John said the Scouts launched their Relay for Life campaign in February with a fundraising goal of $2,500 and he said the teams will continue to collect donations for the relay.
“Most of the boys raised $100 and a lot of troop moms helped us out,” John said.
John said this is the first year that Troop 315 signed up Relay for Life teams, but he’s sure it will become an annual Scouts activity.
“We plan to try it again next year,” he said. “This year, we’re just going to do our best and have a good time.”
Peg will be recognized during the luminary ceremony Friday — the annual candlelight vigil recognizes victims and survivors of cancer, and this year the tribute will also include caregivers.
“Peg is the caregiver for the team’s salute,” John said. “She was Dick’s caregiver.”
The Relay for Life rally this year is an emotional one for Peg. She and Richard were married for 50 years before he died on Sept. 26, 2011, from lymphoma.
“We were able to celebrate 50 years together,” Peg said.
She learned about the Relay for Life fundraiser in April and said she’s proud to be honored by Relay for Life and by her grandson and Scouts in Troop 315.
Peg said money raised from Relay for Life is vital to cancer survivors and the loved ones of cancer victims.
“If they raise enough money, hopefully, they will find a cure,” Peg said.
People who want to make a donation to Troop 315 can contact Crawford at (208) 251-9063.