Relay for Life Set for Saturday

The Brooke-Hancock Ameircan Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held Saturday, June 3, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Wellsburg Central Park, located at 17h and Charles streets.
Area residents will have an opportunity this weekend to remember loved ones who have died from cancer while supporting efforts to prevent the disease and aid those facing it.
Tammy Hornick, who co-chairs the event with her husband, Paul, said participants will again take laps around the park, which will be lined with luminaria sponsored in memory or honor of loved ones who have battled it.
Participants also may register the day of the event or in advance through the event’s website at relayforlife.org/brookehancockwv. There’s no cost to participate, but registration helps organizers measure the level of participation.
Hornick said last year’s event drew about 80 people and raised about $10,000 for American Cancer Society programs supporting research for a cure, education aimed at cancer prevention and services for cancer patients.
She said all cancer survivors are invited to take the first lap, with about 20 registered at this time, while others will be designated for their caregivers and in memory of those who have died from cancer.
She also said the participation of people who have fought the disease gives hope to others who have been diagnosed, and two cancer survivors, Geary Bee and Rachel Culver, are slated to speak on Saturday.
Hornick would like to express thanks to local disc jockeys Ron Music and Chris Knicely of Music Done Knicely, who worked with the relay’s organizers to hold a retro dance on April 15 at the Wellsburg Banquet Hall.
The event raised about $10,000 through admissions and chances sold on assorted gift baskets.
Hornick said the American Cancer Society also received a boost from the students and staff of Brooke Intermediate North (formerly Jefferson Primary School), who raised $800 in memory of former staff member Millie Fillinger.
Fillinger was 51 when she died from cancer in 2021, bringing an end to a 20-year career in teaching.
Hornick added a Relay of Life team comprised of Wal-Mart employees, family and friends will be selling hot dogs and other food to support the cause on Saturday.