Community invited to participate in Relay for Life July 27

The fourth annual Wise County Relay for Life, an all-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will be held July 27 at Carl Smith Stadium at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. The community is invited to participate in the event to raise money to find a cure for cancer.

“Cancer never sleeps and we aren’t going to stop until a cure is found,” said event chairwoman Jackie VanHuss.

A goal of $100,000 has been set for this year’s event, which will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception for cancer survivors. Anyone who has battled cancer is invited to attend.

The relay will officially kick off at 6 p.m. with the cancer survivors walking the first lap around the track surrounding the football field, followed by members of the 25 participating teams. At least one member from each team will continue walking around the track until 7 a.m. Saturday.

Children will also have a chance to join in the evening’s activities with the Kid’s Walk at 7:30 p.m. Other activities and entertainment also will be available.

At 10 p.m., luminaries will be lit in memory of cancer victims and in honor of cancer survivors. Donations for luminaries may be made at a designated tent near the track until 10 p.m.

If interested in donating for luminaries prior to the event or if interested in participating in the Relay for Life, contact Jackie Van Huss at (276) 796-5558 or Lisa DeBusk at (877) 429-2955.

Posted July 16, 2007