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May 29, 2023 WELLSBURG — Area residents will have an opportunity this weekend to

May 29, 2023

WELLSBURG — 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.

The Brooke-Hancock Ameircan Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at the city's Central Park at 17h and Charles streets.

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.

Often accompanied by fellow organizer Della Serevicz, Hornick has been accepting sponsorships for the luminaria on the Town Square outside Wellsburg City Hall on various weekday mornings.

She plans to return there, weather permitting, at 11 a.m. on weekdays this week to be announced through the event's Facebook page.

Hornick said individuals also can sponsor a luminaria beginning at 5 p.m. on the day of the event.

Participants also may register then 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.

Hornick said she and Paul became involved in the Relay for Life because both their mothers and fathers lost battles to the disease.

"I know we’re in it to raise money. but it's also good for the community support shown to cancer patients and people who lost family members to cancer," she said.

"Last year one of the participants was a woman who had recently been diagnosed. She said everyone was so welcoming. I said we consider everyone in the Relay family," said Hornick.

She 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 expressed 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.

"They’re so sweet," she said of the team.

The event raised about $10,000 through admissions and chances sold on assorted gift baskets.

"Our community was great in donating items for the baskets," she added.

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.

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