Relay For Life, a cancer fighter

Participants of the Relay For Life of Morgan County know first-hand that cancer does not discriminate and can come anytime, anyplace, anywhere to anyone. Some are survivors, some have family members and friends affected by it, others have loved ones who have succumbed to cancer. Jo Ann Blankley, event chair, is a survivor.

Relay For Life is one way to help raise awareness to this horrible disease and raise money to help research for a cure. Help fight this disease by joining Relay For Life of Morgan County. Other local participants have personal reasons to Relay also.

Relay For Life of Morgan County is an event which runs 12 hours overnight. The purpose of the night-time event is to coincide with the stages of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer: from light to darkness, then the dawn of a new day. It is not required that participants stay for the duration, but some do.

Debbie Flowers, community manager, said “It is a fun, family event with lots of good food, games and activities throughout the night. I see community involvement together on one night for one cause.”

Luminaries are also a good seller. A loved one can be honored or remembered by lighting a candle. Candles are placed in a bag with the loved one’s name on it. Luminaries are lined around Widmyer track and lit before the ceremony, which is at 9:30 p.m. this year.

Relay For Life of Morgan County will be June 8, 6 p.m.-6 a.m. at Widmyer track. This year’s theme is “Toon Out Cancer,” a cartoon-based theme.

Interest in forming a team or any questions can be directed to Jo Ann Blankley, event chair at 304-258-3601.