Hundreds ready to take a walk
Some do it celebrate a victory. Some do it to express solidarity. For some, it's a way to give back.
Whatever their motivation, nearly 800 strong are expected to turn out in teams for this year's American Cancer Society Butler Relay for Life running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 16 at the Butler Farm Show grounds, 625 Evans City Road.
Titled “Game On! The Cure Starts Here,” the 26th annual relay kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., according to Emma Craven, senior community development manager for the American Cancer Society's northeast region.
“This is our signature event for the year,” Craven said. “It's a celebratory event for the fundraising done all year, and a tip of the hat to all the teams.”
She added that groups are not required to register to walk but “we do have 17 registered teams made up of friends, family members, co-workers and church congregations.”
It's suggested the teams obtain pledges for the miles/laps they will compete.
For three-time cancer survivor Gloria Lamont, 66, of Hooker, an 11-hour walk with her friends seems a breeze compared to the bouts of breast cancer and heart tumors she's endured.
“It's been five years,” said Lamont of being cancer-free. “I've been very fortunate, and I find out my husband has prostate cancer.”
Her team is called “Gloria's Angels,” although she said it may need a name change this year.
“We've done it for the past six or seven years,” Lamont said.
Cheryl Demek, 59, of Cabot is looking forward to the relay.
Demek, a uterine cancer survivor, said, “I had my first surgery in November 2016, then I had chemo and radiation through August 2017.
“Then I had another surgery in August 2017 to clear out some lymph nodes,” Demek said.
“I'm doing it for the cause, for payback,” she said. “I said if I got clean I would give back.”
“With 'Cheryl's Cancer Crushers,' we've got lots of people coming out to support,” Demek said.
People may also be attracted to the fairground by all the new events, Craven said.
“This is a free, open-to-the-public event. We want the community to experience our event and bring out the whole family for a day of fun.”
One of the new features of this year's relay, she said, is a picnic zone running from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be food trucks and picnic blankets will be provided, Craven said.
“We're doing another special thing, DJ Trivia at the relay,” said Craven. “The participants create teams to compete in trivia.”
Returning favorites include the survivor dinner and the luminaria event.
“Our biggest draw is the luminaria ceremony at dusk. We welcome the public to purchase a luminaria bag in memory, honor or support of a loved one,” said Craven. “Then during the ceremony we light the bags and display photos in a slide show.”
She added the society is hoping to raise $80,000 at this event in combination with previous fundraising, money raised through pledges on the laps or miles the various teams complete and proceeds from food sales and raffles.
“We are aiming to hit $80,000 but would love to hit $100,000. The funds that we raise are benefiting the American Cancer Society's life-saving research and patient programs,” Craven said. “We have several local programs in the Butler area including Road to Recovery, local wig banks and Look Good Feel Better.”
WHAT: The American Cancer Society's Relay for LifeWHEN: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 16WHERE: Butler Farm Show grounds, 625 Evans City RoadINFO: Events include 10 a.m. opening ceremony, 4:30 p.m. survivor dinner and 10 p.m. luminaria ceremony. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/pabutler
