Relay surpassed expectations

BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna County Relay for Life is surpassing all expectations.

The rural county Relay had the highest increase of participants – as noted on a banner displayed by Leadership committee members – for the East Central Division in 2013-14.

Donna Conklin said, “This isn’t Relay. It’s the people in Susquehanna County that care about people fighting Cancer and those that have passed. There are so many different wonderful organizations in our area as well as businesses that open their hearts to the fight against cancer. It’s a truly beautiful thing.”

Susquehanna County Relay for Life was held Friday and Saturday, June 26-27 at the Montrose Area High School.

Conklin is a member of the Susquehanna County Relay for Life Leadership committee, the group that works with the American Cancer Society to organize the annual event. This year, eight

teams participated in the event.

The local Relay event is not just bringing participants – it is also bringing in funds.

Conklin said that as of Saturday morning this year’s Relay has raised $98,560.51, which includes the nearly $30,000 raised the Mountain View Relay held May 29 on the school campus.

And the fundraising season is not over yet, teams have until the end of July to add to this year’s total.

Linda Lindsey served as the honorary chair. The cancer survivor led the other survivors in applauding their caregivers.

Following opening ceremonies, the survivors took their celebratory walk around the track.

They were met at the halfway point by caregivers – who walked with them the remainder of the way.

Funds raised at Relay for Life benefit the American Cancer Society and are used for research, as well as programs for patients, such as Road to Recovery, which provides transportation to cancer patients undergoing treatment; and Look Better… Feel Better, teaches women battling cancer beauty techniques to help them improve their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.