ISSUED: 22 March 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Relay For Life of Jefferson County presented by Shepherd University on Friday, April 14-Saturday, April 15, is a 12-hour community event where teams and individuals come together to honor, celebrate, and fight back by raising funds and awareness to help free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.
The event, which includes music, food, games, and more, is open to everyone of all ages and abilities. One hundred percent of the funds raised benefit the American Cancer Society to support, educate, and advocate for survivors and caregivers as they face this disease. Relay For Life will occur in Lot G by the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center at Shepherd University, with the Opening Ceremony kicking off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14.
Teams and participants will camp out, walk laps, and participate in various activities throughout the night. This overnight experience simulates the light and darkness of the day and night, paralleling the physical effects, emotions, and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment.
Local cancer survivors will take the celebratory first lap at Relay immediately after Opening Ceremonies to the cheers of all participants and attendees.
The next 12 hours—from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday—will be packed with activities and fundraising events to energize walkers and raise as much money as possible for the American Cancer Society.
The survivor’s reception at 7 p.m. Friday offers a place for survivors and their caregivers to relax and connect with others during the event.
“Honoring these survivors and caregivers allows them to have the spotlight. They have fought long, hard battles to be where they are today, standing here and advocating for others who are either currently fighting the battle of cancer, have survived the battle, or have lost their lives to cancer,” said Samantha Fridley, a first-year student studying social work at Shepherd. “This event is important for our community. We’re working hard to make this event impactful.”
Fridley serves as the survivor/caregiver chair on the Relay For Life Event Leadership Team.
If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver or would like more information and to participate in Relay For Life of Jefferson County presented by Shepherd University, visit Shepherd’s Relay For Life webpage or the Jefferson County WV Relay for Life Facebook page.
About American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life:
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, the Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Uniting communities across the globe, Relay For Life celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and takes action for lifesaving change. During Relay For Life events, members of multiple teams take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
— 30 —
