RELAY FOR LIFE
The Inter-Mountain photos by Beth Henry-Vance Cancer survivors and caregivers take part in the first laps around Elkins Town Square during Saturday’s annual Randolph County Relay For Life.
The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Cancer survivors, caregivers and community members walk laps around Elkins Town Square during Saturday’s annual Randolph County Relay For Life.
Cancer survivors Gary Smith, Bob Hornbeck and Joe Harman gather at the survivor’s tent during Saturday’s annual Randolph County Relay For Life in Elkins Town Square.
The Inter-Mountain photos by Beth Henry-Vance Cancer survivors and caregivers take part in the first laps around Elkins Town Square during Saturday’s annual Randolph County Relay For Life.
The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Cancer survivors, caregivers and community members walk laps around Elkins Town Square during Saturday’s annual Randolph County Relay For Life.
Cancer survivors Gary Smith, Bob Hornbeck and Joe Harman gather at the survivor’s tent during Saturday’s annual Randolph County Relay For Life in Elkins Town Square.
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ELKINS -- Saturday's Relay For Life fundraiser event served as a celebration for all cancer survivors, and as a way to honor and remember anyone who's ever fought cancer.
More than 90 cancer survivors took part in the annual Randolph County event at the Elkins Town Square, along with many caregivers, 19 teams of volunteers and a host of community members.
"We couldn't have asked for a better day," said Michael Alkire, community manager for Relay For Life, noting the weather cooperated, there was plenty of excellent local talent and everyone had a wonderful time.
"It went really, really well, and I think everyone had a really good time. It was great," Alkire said.
Although this year's Relay is finished, he added fundraising activities will continue through August. The total raised as of Sunday afternoon was $31,241.51.
He said the Randolph County Relay For Life fundraising goal is $60,000, and every donation is appreciated.
"We'll have more fundraisers in coming weeks," he added, "and we're already thinking ahead to next year."
He also said that he appreciates everyone who came out to Saturday's Relay, whether they took part in the kickoff at noon, listened to the music, walked laps, enjoyed food or attended the luminary ceremony.
Prior to the kickoff, Davis Health System sponsored a reception for cancer survivors, and a tent was set up throughout the event where survivors and their family could gather. The kickoff included opening remarks by cancer survivor Shane Maxwell, who shared his personal experiences, and also said he was happy to be part of Relay to celebrate, honor and remember everyone affected by cancer.
One of the survivors inside the survivor's tent Saturday was Joe Harman, who has beat cancer twice. His wife, Virginia, said he had a cancerous tumor in his left eye in 1993, and he had prostate cancer in 2003.
She said they were thankful that even though he lost his vision nearly 100 percent in his eye, the doctors were able to save the eye itself.
She added it started out as a little freckle, and she tells everyone to get regular checkups so their physician will be able to tell if anything is wrong