TULALIP – The fantasy in The Wizard of Oz vanished for a moment over the weekend when things got very real.

Katie Tormohlen, organizer of this year’s Marysville-Tulalip Relay for Life, compared the fight against cancer to the movie characters as “There’s no place like hope” was the theme of the event.

She compared the personalities of some of the Oz characters to people fighting the disease.

“They may be like Dorothy, lost and confused, not knowing where to turn,” she said.

Or they may be like the Scarecrow, “not feeling brainy enough” to figure out what to do.

Or they may be like the Tin Man, except not wanting a heart, “not wanting to feel at all.”

Finally, they may be like the Cowardly Lion, “not courageous enough” to take it on.

In her opening comments, she also talked about how hard the fight is for family and caregivers of cancer patients, too. She said the patients have to fight with all their might and caregivers need to appreciate the time they have together. Cancer survivors, obviously, hope they never get it again.

She said when people get together and donate to the relay, they bring hope for a cure so others won’t have to deal with the awful disease.

This year’s relay included a hypnotist, classic rock band Aardvark United, and games, such as a tug-of-war.

Various themed hours also were part of the event, including wearing Oz costumes and sports attire of your favorite team. You can still donate to the cause if you google Marysville Tulalip Relay for Life.