May 10, 2013 By Steve Barrett 8 min read

WAYNESBURG – The Waynesburg Central High School Raider Field of Pride was rockin’ with excitement, music and emotions last weekend as thousands of people gathered for the 15th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greene County.

A large number of area businesses, agencies, schools, churches and individuals who participated in the event helped make the event a truly memorable and special affair, participating in a traditional fundraising initiative that has raised more than $1.7 million over the past 15 years…and counting.

The annual fundraising event – which is held across the nation and around the world to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s ongoing battle against cancer – once again featured an emotional opening ceremony that was followed by a wide array of activities offering fun for all ages throughout the 24-hour Relay.

As is tradition, the Greene County Relay kicked off with the annual torch run. The torch was carried by runners representing the county high schools. The runners were escorted by members of various local police departments and Greene County ABATE.

After the torch arrived at the Relay it was time for the opening ceremony, where Relay representatives presented special plaques to the many individuals, businesses and agencies that supported the Relay.

State Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Jefferson) served as the master of ceremonies for the opening ceremony, replacing WTAE-TV personality Andrew Stockey, who had served as emcee for the previous 12 years. Stockey was unable to attend this year’s Relay due to the passing of his father.

During Snyder’s remarks, she acknowledged the many volunteers who served on various Relay committees, as well as the many teams, schools, agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals who donated or raised money for the cause. She also recognized the many entities that sponsored different aspects of the Relay; in all, more than $40,000 was raised in sponsorships alone this year.

Snyder also stressed the importance of being active in the fight against cancer.

“We must remember that there is no finish line until we find a cure, but we can’t do this by just sitting around being silent,” she said. “We must use our voices and be heard! We must use our feet to walk this track for 24 hours, a symbol to our friends and neighbors battling cancer that we recognize the difficulty of fighting this disease day in and day out without a break.

“We use our hands to reach out to them and help them by cooking a meal or driving them to their lifesaving treatments,” she continued. “We use our hearts to love them through the dark days. We use our minds to think of new and creative ways to fight against this disease. We use our eyes to see what needs to be done, to see that although we have come so far, we have not finished the fight and we must finish the fight.”

Also recognized during the opening ceremony were Relay ambassadors Addy Morrison, 5, and Colby Simkovic, 11, both of Jefferson. Both youths are cancer survivors.

Following the opening ceremony, it was time for the traditional survivors’ lap, in which 120 cancer survivors participated. Just before the lap began, each of the survivors were introduced and then walked the first lap behind a large banner that read “Survivors-We Are Winning!”

The opening ceremony and survivors’ lap was just the beginning of a busy day filled with a wide array of activities geared to the ongoing battle against cancer.

A total of 26 Relay teams raising money for the cause set up decorated tents around the track. The campsites were decorated to coincide with the Relay’s theme, “Relay Rocks!” The tents were judged by cancer survivors for prizes, and the winners were.

As hundreds walked around the track throughout the day, there was live entertainment, performances from a number of local performers, food vendors, a “Greene County Relay Queen” pageant, games and contests, a Midnight Marathon and much more.

This year’s Relay also featured the return of several other activities, including a “Fight Back” ceremony – in which participants made a pledge to improve their health – as well as the “Pack the Track” event, where everyone was encouraged to walk a lap at the same time.

The evening’s activities also included the touching luminaria ceremony, featuring the reading of names displayed on the luminaria bags in honor and in memory of those who have fought – and in some cases, lost their battle with – cancer. In all, approximately 1,400 luminaria bags were placed along the track.

The event concluded Sunday morning with a sunrise service and closing ceremony.

Days after the event ended, Greene County Relay chairwoman Jacki Headlee said she was proud of what was accomplished during the 2013 Relay.

Serving her second year as Relay chairwoman, Headlee – who is also a cancer survivor – recognized the support the Relay received from committee members and volunteers of all ages and all walks of life, as well as Margie Smith, senior community income development representative with the American Cancer Society. And though Headlee admits the Relay is a great deal of work, the end result makes it all worthwhile.

“It is encouraging to see how the teams, committees and volunteers come together and work together for such a terrific cause,” she said. “For that one special day, everybody really works together. For that one day, it’s about people giving the time, hearts and resources to help make a difference.”

Headlee said she understands why so many people feel connected to the Relay each year.

“It truly feels like a special reunion, a time where people reconnect with one another and share something that we all have in common, the desire to find a cure for cancer,” she said.

Smith said she is “amazed” by Greene County’s commitment and dedication to the Relay.

“The people of Greene County who commit their time to this event are incredible, and their dedication is unbelievable,” Smith said. “They should be very proud of what they accomplish each year. I am in awe at what they do. It is just absolutely heartwarming and encouraging to see so many people from all walks of life, all contributing to the cause. I am very proud to be involved with the Greene County Relay.”

One of the biggest components of this year’s Relay was the recruitment of volunteers to participate in CPS-3, which is the third Cancer Prevention Study conducted by the American Cancer Society.

The Relay was seeking men and women between 30 and 60 years old who have no history of cancer, with the exception of basal or squamous skin cancer, and who would be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study which simply involves completing periodic follow-up questionnaires.

Participants were asked to provide a blood sample, which was taken by a trained phlebotomist on-site. They also had a measurement of waist circumference taken and filled out a short survey.

Every two to three years, participants will receive additional surveys for the next 20 to 30 years.

CPS-3 is a grassroots effort where local communities from across the country can support cancer research, not just through fundraising efforts but also by participating actively in this historic research study.

The first cancer prevention study resulted in the correlations between cigarette smoking and lung cancer and the subsequent 1960 Surgeon General Warning label on cigarette packaging.

The goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults nationwide from various racial and ethnic backgrounds to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Led by Waynesburg Mayor Duncan Berryman, a total of 132 people signed up for CPS-3 at the Relay, which exceeded the goal. Smith said she was impressed by the total number of participants.

“I cannot emphasize how important it was for Greene County to get involved in this study,” she said. “This area was picked to participate in the study for a reason, this area did not disappoint. It is important and valuable information that is urgently needed, and Greene County stepped up and delivered. I am really proud of them.”

Smith also said there are several upcoming fundraisers to help the Greene County Relay reach its goal of $235,000.

The Patriot’s Dream Riding Association will hold a “Cruisin’ For a Cure” car and motorcycle cruise at the Alpha Aquatic Park in Waynesburg on May 18 from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. The event will feature music, food, trophies, prizes and more. For more information, email pdra.greene@gmail.com.

Waynesburg Central Elementary School is holding a Mini-Relay on May 22.

For more information, or to make a donation, call the school at 724-852-3081.

Greene County ABATE will hold its 14th annual Cancer Society Run on Saturday, May 25 to benefit the American Cancer Society. Signups will be held at Waynesburg Yamaha from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and bikes will leave at noon. Cost is $20 per bike, which includes a free event t-shirt to the first 50 riders. Everyone is welcome. The Greene County chapter of the American Cancer Society receives all proceeds from signups. For more info, contact Debbie Schaffer at 724-852-1789.

Donations may also be made to the 2013 Greene County Relay until Aug. 31. For more information, call Smith at 724-222-6911.