Survivor lap

Two-year-old Remington Bassett led the survivor lap at the main event of the Relay for Life of Tyler County on Saturday night. Remington, who has been battling Retnablastoma Cancer, was selected as the Grand Marshall of the Relay and was as active and curious as any other two year old.

“We did things a little different this year,” said co-chairman of the event, Connie Boyd. “We wanted to include little Remington in the ceremonies. He’s been through a very tough time.”

The Relay for Life of Tyler County was very successful this year, with more than $30,000 raised for cancer research thus far.

“Our committee worked so hard to make Relay 2014 a great success,” Boyd said. “We had more teams than years before and they worked all year round to raise money to fight cancer and help find cures.”

Teams raising funds this year include: A.I. Boreman Elementary, Bankers For Life 2014, Brock’s Battle, Crusaders for a Cure, Lucky Charms, Middlebourne United Methodist Church, Sistersville First United Methodist Church, Sistersville General Hospital, The Purple Misfits, Armor of Hope, Blue Gills, Car Crazy, Furb’s Friends, Rice-a-Roni, SES Squires, Team Bubba, Team Lennie, Wings of Hope, Tyler Consolidated High School SADD, Tyler County Employees Team and Team P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens.

Survivor and caregiver

“We would like to thank everyone that came out to support this years Relay.”

The theme for the local Relay was “Fishing for a Cause” and the fish theme played out in almost every activity and decoration. Activities included a volleyball and corn hole tournament, children’s games, face painting, a Road to Recovery boat race, Mr. Relay contest, concessions, baked good sales, auctions, raffles, stage entertainment, a disc jockey, guest speakers and a survivors reception.

Always one of the most poignant moments of any Relay, Luminaria’s were lit around the track at dusk in honor and in memory . . . to honor those fighting cancer, those surviving, and those who have passed.

While the American Cancer Society is making progress towards a world without cancer, only dedication and fundraising efforts like Relay for Life can ensure research continues for every type of cancer that threatens a life.

Sponsors for this year’s Relay include: Ace Hardware, Aleris Recycling Inc., Antero Resources, Bell’s Chevrolet, Inc., Bogg’s Pizza, Bridgeport Equipment, Carman Harman D.J., Clear Channel Radio Stations, Dudley’s Florist, The Fort, Friendly United Methodist Church Women, Koolaid’s Family Pizza, Long Reach Credit Union, Middlebourne EMS, People’s Bank of Sistersville, Phillips Pharmacy, Proviron America Inc., Results Radio Stations, SEven Ranges Radio: 93R Lite Rock – V96.9, Shirt Factory and Sporting Goods, Sistersville Elks Lodge #333; Sistersville Tank Works, Steven Mason Stage, Sound and Lighting, Subway of Sistersville, TCHS Radio WRSG-FM 91.5, The Wells Inn, Tyler Consolidated High/Middle Schools; Tyler County Board of Education, Tyler County HIgh School Athletic Boosters, Tyler County Office of Emergency Management, Tyler County Sheriff’s Department, Tyler Star News and WETZ Power Country.

Students honored Joyce Hagerty with a special gift

The success of this years Relay for Life of Tyler County would not have been possible without the assistance and hard work of the following volunteers: Brittany Hagerty, Brenna Hagerty, TCHS cheerleaders, Teresa Davies, Ian Jackson, Ben Hagerty, Eleanor Cline, TCHS Athletic Boosters, Jessica Owens, Debbie Hayes, J.C. Kimble and students; Gloria Lowther, Jackie Hizer, Rodney Byers, Chris Byers, Pastor Bill Dawson, Jim Surface, Jan Surface, The Carriers, Dean and Mary Rohrig, Summertime Brass Quintet, Infinity Fitness Youth Dance Team, Mountain Vocal Harmony, Sistersville First United Methodist Church Praise Group.

No event as large as this one just happens, the work by the planning committee was instrumental in this years success. “These volunteers have worked tirelessly for more than six months planning our Relay for Life of Tyler County,” Boyd said. “I personally would like to thank them for all of their time and hard work.”

Committee Volunteer Chairs this year are: Debbie Weekley, event co-chair; Joyce Hagerty, luminaria and logistics; Sandy Furbee, activities chair; Shelly Maxwell, accounting chair; Gwen Davies, fundraising chair; Sandy Hayes, survivor chair; Stacy McNabb, activities co-chair; Toni VanCamp, team retention, team recruitment and logistics chair; Katrina Byers, Youth engagement chair; Merritt Grimes, youth engagement and luminaria; Judy Light, PR/Media; Patti Henthorn, PR/Media and youth engagement.

“I think everyone that came out to Relay had a great time, from babies in strollers to the elderly,” Boyd said.

For more photos from this year’s Relay for Life, check out page 13 of this week’s Tyler Star News.

Caregivers and survivors

Caregivers and survivors