WELLSBURG – The word “hope” appeared on a video screen above Rebecca Brothers’ as the Bowling Green, Ohio native told fellow cancer patients Tuesday, “Keep hoping. You are not alone.”

As guest speaker for the kickoff dinner for the Brooke-Hancock American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Brothers reflected on several family members and friends who battled various forms of the disease and her own fight against brain cancer.

Among them was her older brother, who also was diagnosed with brain cancer and lost a four-year battle with it but made a difference in the lives of many who still speak of his positive attitude and advice.

Brothers noted much has changed in the treatment of cancer over the years. Diagnosed with leukemia as a little girl, her mother’s sister was quarantined from her siblings but would pass letters of love to them, she was told.

Brothers also lost an uncle, a grandmother and her husband’s mother to the disease. But she thanked God for his grace through such losses and her own health problems, which also include epilepsy.

She counted among her many blessings a supportive husband of 13 years, Todd, a Follansbee native; and a close friend and fellow cancer survivor, Leslie Ciccolella of Follansbee, who brought her to the Brooke-Hancock Relay in recent years; and to the many fellow relay participants who have befriended her.

Brothers’ talk and the recognition of 28 local cancer survivors during the event helped to remind those still battling various forms of the disease there is hope for recovery and fellowship with other cancer patients can strengthen their courage.

The relay itself offers the same support while also raising funds for services for cancer patients, prevention through education and medical research.

Last year’s event raised more than $79,500, and this year Relay chairs Paul and Tammy Hornick, assisted by co-chair Steve Lauck, have set a goal of $95,000 for the event, which will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight June 4 at the Follansbee Middle School football field.

This year’s Hawaiian luau theme was reflected at the kickoff, where disc jockey and past relay chair Dave Secrist introduced the cancer survivors as members of the Burgettstown Junior-Senior High School’s Relay for Life Team escorted them in grass skirts and leis and “Wipe Out” and “Celebration” played.

The Hornicks said the relay also will again have its light moments, with Secrist providing music and games for children and dogs among the activities.

They noted it also will include the more somber lighting of luminaria, in memory or honor of loved ones with cancer, along the walking track where participants take turns taking laps.

The first lap always is taken by cancer survivors, who also are treated to a meal before the event.

Sponsorship of the luminaria is among small fundraisers held during the night to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

To encourage participation, there’s no registration fee for the Brooke-Hancock relay, but many participants are members of teams that hold various fundraisers before the event.

The Hornicks noted Bethany College on Feb. 26 held its own relay, raising $6,447, which will be applied to the Brooke-Hancock relay’s total.

The amount was double that raised last year by the college’s event, which involves teams of faculty, students, alumni and community members from the small college town.

Team membership isn’t required to participate in the Brooke-Hancock relay, and those new to Relay for Life are encouraged to attend to learn more.

Anyone interested in participating, forming a team or supporting the event may call (304) 737-3748, e-mail tph87@frontier.com or visit www.RelayForLife.org/brookehancockwv.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)