When the McKean County Relay for Life kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday in Veterans Square it will represent the first time the event has been held in downtown Bradford.
Activities, which will be centered in Veterans Square, will continue through 10 p.m. and will be open to community members to come out and offer support. They are also invited to walk in memory of a loved one or for those who have survived cancer.
“We also invite survivors and their families to join us at 7:45 p.m. in front of the Seneca Building for a recognition ceremony to begin at 8 p.m.,” said Stacy Williams, Relay organizer and executive director of the Bradford Hospital Foundation. “Unfortunately, cancer touches so many more than just the patient, but it impacts their family and friends. The American Cancer Society works to assist those fighting the disease through research, advocacy, education and service.”
She added, “Relay for Life brings together a community in and of itself to raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives, and provide assistance to those diagnosed. The committee would like to thank in advance everyone who has supported our efforts this year through sponsorships, donations and service.”
In looking back on the recent history of the annual Relay, Williams said the “Hope Trail” luminaria event was the scaled-back version of the event that was held last October at Veterans Square and Main Street in Bradford. In past years, the Relay had been a 24-hour fundraiser held at a variety of venues in the community.
“The 24-hour event has kind of gone by the wayside and now they’re anywhere from six to 12 hours,” Williams explained.
On a related note, Williams said oncology information on cancer or the American Cancer Society, which is coordinated by senior development officer Susan Babik in St. Marys, can be obtained at the John C. & Mary E. Nelson Library in the second floor oncology unit at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
The schedule for Saturday’s activities for the community and nine teams signed up include the following events:
Opening ceremony — 10:30 a.m.
Fight Back Speaker
National Anthem
Opening Lap
Chance Auction on Marilyn Horne Way
Diamond Art
Three designs to choose from
$15 each design with session held at the Church of the Ascension, 26 Chautauqua Place
Survivor Recognition
Survivors register at Veterans Square by 7:45 p.m.
Survivor motorcycle ride down Main Street at 8 p.m., organized by Kids & Cancer organization.
Survivor Speaker – Claire Pusateri
Luminaria event at 9 p.m.
Time of reflection: Names will be projected on screen in Veterans Square, luminaries will line Veterans Square and Main Street
Closing ceremony 10 p.m.
Last lap
Drawings
