Relay for Life has successful event; still time to reach goal

BY RYAN BERRY

MANAGING EDITOR

VERSAILLES – Teams from around the county came together on July 20 and 21 to raise funds and bring awareness to cancer at the eighth annual Darke County Relay for Life. The goal for this year’s event was a little over $78,000. Funds raised for the American Cancer Society will help fund research, advocacy, programs and education. Volunteers raised $53,430.13 by the close of the event, but still have until Aug. 31 to raise money for this year’s drive. According to Lois Lyons, 2012 Relay for Life Chairperson, Darke County came up short of its goal last year, and are hopeful to reach their goal this year.

Cynthia Stevens, income development representative from The American Cancer Society, is pleased with the efforts in Darke County. She noted Relay for Life representatives from other counties have visited Darke County and have kept coming back because of how much they enjoyed the event.

During the opening ceremonies Lyons said, “I hope to have the exact same list of survivors next year. That would mean no one new was diagnosed and no one lost their battle with cancer.”

Shannon Hall also spoke during the ceremony and shared her role as a survivor and caregiver. Hall, a rectal cancer survivor, noted there were several people in her family that have been affected by skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Having been on both sides, Hall believes caregivers have it worst. “We try to do everything we can to make you feel better, but we feel like we do not do enough,” she said. She credits her relationship with God for giving her strength to go through her current battle. “I’m surrounded by the best people on earth.” She continued, “I live by faith, hope and love.”