SPAIN - 28 teams, 324 participants and $38,639.47.  YES, you are reading those number's properly.  A while back, Dan Thorpe followed up with a phone call that came into the American Cancer Society's 1-800-ACS-2345.  Dan accepted the challenge and worked with Wendy Perdue to ensure that everything was ordered and given to the event chair, BJ Armel before her event.  One time, Wendy had called Spain to talk to this person (BJ) that was serious about having a relay.  "It's quite the challenge to help someone overseas and on a totally different time frame," says Wendy.

"These volunteers have worked so hard to have an event and honor cancer survivors battling the disease, raising money to find a cure and just the overall feeling of helping the American Cancer Society," she added.

BJ shared some good news with Dan and Wendy on Friday.  BJ said, "I am amazed at the money raised online!  We will go over $50,000 with all combined from our bank here and what is online.  AMAZING!!!"

Just a tidbit of information- there is a club in the North Carolina called "The Officer Civilian Spouse Club" that has both Spanish and Americans as members- mostly Spanish members.  About 7 years ago the Spanish Admiral over the base lost his wife to cancer leaving some very young children without a mother.  Since the OCSC has raised money to give to the Spanish Cancer Society and American Cancer Society through different fund-raisers (which this group raises money for grants and scholarships).  They say they will split the money even between the 2 societies. 

Now that Rota is having the very first "American" Cancer Society event, they are going to transfer money to the Rota Relay For Life.  The club president thinks it is about 4,000 euros.  She announced it at the "Sangria Social" (doesn't that sound fun) ::))) which is the club's welcome to new and old members starting off the new social year.  Which is = to $5,557 USD. 

During this activity BJ gained 2 survivor friends that will participate in Relay. BJ has pre-taped a radio show with the NavSta Commander that has aired twice a day in Spain, the Carolinas and the South Atlantic Division. 

As BJ has mentioned "my son is smiling in heaven and he knows he is the reason that she is doing every bit of this". 

One last note worthy news- another military base has contacted BJ to find out how she has started this.  We hope this is the beginning of a fantastic relationship with our new Spanish family.