Letters to the Editor

Relay for Life a vital event

To the Editor,

Thank you so much for allowing Warren Scott to report on the Brooke-Hancock American Cancer Society Relay for Life event held June 4 in Wellsburg.

Thank you so much in printing an excellent article in the Weirton Daily Times and the Herald-Star pertaining to this worthwhile event.

American Cancer Society's mission statement is to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

For more than 35 years, the American Cancer Society has come together to honor and remember loved ones in communities worldwide with the Relay for Life events. Relay for Life is a movement whose members are cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers and participants who believe in a cancer-free future.

Thank you to Tammy and Paul Hornick who chaired this event, the Brooke-Hancock American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Their dedication to this event was outstanding.

Thank you to Della Serevicz who helped with the luminaria fundraising. More than 900 bags with candles lined the walk with very personal memories of cancer victims, messages from survivors, hope from those still battling and encouraging messages from the young and old. As the evening darkness fell, these candles shined brighter.

Yes, there is light in the darkness, there is hope for American Cancer Society.

The Brooke-Hancock American Cancer Society Relay for Life was a great community event to support the cancer survivors, caregivers and to remember those who lost their battle.

As the Relay for Life cancer survivors came together and supported each other, it was found they were not alone in their battles.

This camaraderie of new and old cancer survivors was seen as they walked the traditional first lap with inspirational music playing and the crowd cheering them on as each step was taken. Many tears of joy were shed as the cancer survivors could celebrate life once again.

After the first lap, the cancer survivors were treated to a lunch provided by Jim DiMundo.

Thank you to Chuck Dawson, a cancer survivor, who spoke of his journey. His speech was uplifting and encouraging.

Thank you to the city of Wellsburg staff and Brooke County Emergency Management Agency for providing a safe and secure location.

Thank you to Done Knicely for providing uplifting and encouraging songs as participants walked the walk. Some of the selections included "I will Survive" and "Lean on Me".

Thank you to the sign makers: Howard Lauck, Steve Lauck, Cecil Toner, and Henry Calvert. As the participants walked around the course two huge signs spelled out "hope" and "cure." Hope is a big word for the American Cancer Society.

Thanks to all who participated in this event.

Thank you for helping to spread awareness of the American Cancer Society.

Fight the Fight.

Find a cure.

Still praying and hoping,

A Relay for Life supporter and walker.

A cancer survivor.

Yvonne Tuchalski

Weirton