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Relays for Life events offer a time to remember those who have been lost to cancer, but also provide the light of hope for those still battling and those who have survived, while being surrounded by family, friends and other supporters.
Such an evening will be held Saturday, as the Brooke-Hancock American Cancer Society Relay for Life returns to Wellsburg's Central Park, with activities scheduled from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and featuring a theme of "Rockin' Around the Clock," reminiscent of 1950s and 1960s rock and roll.
Participants will take laps around the park, starting with cancer survivors, who then will be joined by caregivers and then others in attendance. The park itself will be lit by luminaria sponsored by area residents and businesses in honor or memory of loved ones.
There will be music, games and other entertainment, with a contest for those dressing in their favorite 50s and 60s attire.
The goal is to raise money for the American Cancer Society, with $10,000 raised through last year's relay, to provide services for those being treated for cancer, as well as research to find a cure.
It's more than that, though.
Relays for Life provide a support structure, reminding those living with this horrible disease, and those who have lost loved ones because of it, that they are not alone. We have all been affected in one way or another by cancer, creating an often unspoken bond of community.
That community shines the brightest during relay events, and that light will be on full display Saturday night in Wellsburg, with local cancer survivors talking about their experiences, along with music, refreshments and more all in an effort to spread hope.