Walkers share hope, memories

Todd Wetherington | Daily Herald Cancer survivors and their families take the opening walk around the Manning Elementary track Friday during this year's Relay For Life. Advertisement

Evelyn Howell, Herald Staff Writer

As gentle winds blew over smiling faces on a beautiful day, hundreds of folks gathered to celebrate life and support the efforts to erase a dreaded foe - cancer.

As the Valley's Relay For Life unfolded Friday evening at the Manning Elementary track, there was laughter, dancing and singing in the midst of children playing games and people - young and old - enjoying hot dogs, hamburgers and hot french fries. There were chicken plates and barbecue galore. The delicious funnel cakes were plentiful, as well as grilled corn and a variety of soft drinks.

But the real business was on the track, as people walked around the oval to raise money to help find a cure for cancer.

Some shared their stories of how cancer has touched their lives. However it comes, through a spouse, friend or relative, cancer can have a devastating impact on one's life.

“Until cancer touches your life, you can never know how serious it is,” said State Sen. Ed Jones. “Cancer is a deadly thing, but we cannot give up. I believe there will be a better day tomorrow.”

In its 10th year in the Roanoke Valley, the Relay For Life celebration is an overnight activity during which people walk the track and volunteer their time until Saturday afternoon.

But it's actually a yearlong effort, with a variety of churches, civic organizations, companies and groups of friends banding together to raise money to help local cancer victims and help fund researchers seeking new cures and treatments.

Friday evening, the track was lined with pictures of people's loved ones who have lost their lives to the deadly disease.

Cindy Tripp from Halifax said it makes her sad to see pictures of all of the people who have died from cancer. When Tripp reflects on her friendship with her closest and dearest friend, she gets teary-eyed. Her friend Julie Dixon died last year of breast cancer.

“I love her so much and miss her,” she said.

Tripp said cancer has touched her life in many ways and that is why she decided to come and show her support. Her aunt died of cancer and her dad is a throat cancer survivor.

“I have every reason to be here,” said the mother of two, adding she wanted to be there to cheer for her dad when he joined survivors in their annual lap around the track.

Jean Ellis from Flambeau also reflected on the effort. “It's a lot of work, but for a good cause.”