Community to Come Together in Battle Against Cancer

The 18th year for the Relay for Life of the Cove event will be held only one day rather than the traditional two days.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 22, at the Roaring Spring Athletic Field. Opening ceremonies will get underway at 10 a.m. with the closing set for 9:45 p.m.

Eight teams have held fundraising events since October to collect money for the American Cancer Society. The goal is to raise $68,000, for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

The theme of Relay will be “Traveling around the world to find a CURE.”

Serving as co-ambassadors this year will be father and daughter George R. Gilbert of Martinsburg and Shari Gilbert of Hollidaysburg.

The Roaring Spring Lions Club will serve breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The club also be set up with hot dogs, funnel cakes, fries and ox roast available for purchase.

Activities for all ages will be available throughout the day. Entertainment also will be provided over the course of the day.

During the event, teams will be selling food and various items from their tent sites.

The dinner for all survivors and their caregivers will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The survivor torch walk will begin at 7 p.m. No other walkers will be on the track during this time. Everyone in attendance will be encouraged to cheer on the survivors.

Saturday’s evening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 8:30. All participating teams will be introduced at that time. There will be several special laps during the evening program. The survivors’ lap will feature all survivors, their caregivers and family members.

During the survivors lap, all cancer survivors at the event will take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay for Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors and coworkers facing cancer.

The Luminaria Ceremony will officially take place after dark so attendees can remember people who have lost their lives to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the track as glowing tributes to those who have been affected by cancer.

Fireworks will follow the closing ceremonies.

Relay officials want to the public to know how the money raised in The Cove Relay for Life supports families and friends.

Relay officials said friends and neighbors are working to provide the following services for those in need:

24-hour HelpLine – there is a 24-hour helpline (1-800-227-2345) – where you can call and talk to a “real person” who will provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Information – make cancer.org the initial contact when a cancer diagnosis is made (e.g. will provide educational materials about specific disease, treatment, side effects) 

Navigating the system – help of a trained navigator to provide guidance through cancer treatment and resources for individual needs

Transportation – Road to Recovery helps provide rides to hospitals and physicians for treatment and follow-up appointments

Strategic Partnership – the American Cancer Society is one of seven strategic partners with the Bob Perks Program which provides cash assistance for short-term urgent needs. Visit online at http://www.bobperksfund.org for more information.

Peer support – from those who have the same type of cancer (e.g. breast, testicular)  

Advocacy – work with legislators/healthcare providers on your behalf to change laws/ practices (e.g. insurance coverage for screening exams (colonoscopies/ mammograms) and partner to create smoke-free environments in workplaces and restaurants)

Hope lodges and Hotel Partners/Extended Stay Program – provides free or assisted lodging for patient/family near treatment facility

Cancer research – this is essential to decrease the number of cancer deaths and to provide the best treatment options available through research and clinical trials – ACS spends more than $150 million each year in cancer research

For more information about the relay event, contact the American Cancer Society at 695-9511.