Clinton County Survivors Need You

AdminMay 17, 2016Last Updated: May 17, 2016

3 minutes read

LOCK HAVEN – Cancer. It’s such an ugly word and has brought pain and suffering to so many. But starting on Friday, May 20th, hundreds of strong-willed, hopeful and spirited residents of Clinton County will take over Riverview Park in Woodward Township for 24 hours in an effort to stand up against a disease that has knocked so many. It’s a time to celebrate, remember and fight back!

The Clinton County Relay for Life will begin on Friday at 4pm and last through Saturday at 4pm, rain or shine. Cancer doesn’t take naps or hide from inclement weather and neither will the teams who participate in Relay. This year’s event will see teams celebrate the decades as they throw back to their favorite time in life. Relay is the culmination of a year’s worth of fundraising efforts for many teams and a chance for them to enjoy their efforts so don’t be surprised if you see some hair bands from the 80s, hippies from the 60s and poodle skirts from the 50s over the course of the weekend.

This year’s opening ceremonies will kick off at 6 pm with new Lock Haven City Mayor Bill Baney commencing the event and cancer survivor Jodi Koch reflecting upon her journey as a young cancer survivor.

Although the day will be filled in celebration for those who are surviving each and every day, there will be many moments that participants will be able reflect back on those who have lost their battles to cancer; none of which are more poignant than the luminary ceremony which will begin at 9pm on Friday evening. Autumn Dauberman is slated to sing during the ceremony.

The luminaries are placed around the track in honor of all cancer patients (those living and past) and provide those in attendance a moment of peace and reflection as they walk the path viewing each name. “It’s amazing to see each of the names that reflect on the bags. When you take a step back and see the sheer number of luminaries that it takes to line the track– it can be a little overwhelming. The beauty of the luminaries juxtaposed with their meaning leaves you a little speechless,” said Brenda Ankney, long-time Clinton County Relay for Life participant and Leadership committee member.

All cancer survivors are invited to attend the Survivor Bruch, sponsored by Lock Haven hospital, on Saturday, May 21 which will begin at 10:30 a.m. Following the brunch, survivors will complete their victory lap and a motivational speech will be given by cancer survivor Sarah Elizabeth Snyder at approximately 12 pm.
“A few years ago we really started celebrating our survivors during their lap,” said Christy Fisher, who coordinates the survivor festivities for the Clinton County Relay for Life. “So, I’d like to invite the entire county to come out on Saturday at noon in support and celebration for every cancer survivor. Bring noise makers and pom-poms, dress in your favorite decades gear and join us all in celebrating those who have fought and continue to fight in some of the toughest battles in life.”
Any survivor who has not yet registered for brunch can continue to do so. You can contact Christy Fisher at 570-367-1776 or you can register at Relay at the survivor registration table.

Throughout the entire 24-hours as walkers continue their quest for a cure, teams will be entertained by a variety of activities, fundraisers, and live music. In addition, there will be food vendors on site and many teams will be selling food.

This event is free and open to the public. You do not have to be on a team to participate and you do not have to stay for the entire 24 hours. If you have never been to a Relay before, you can come at any time and leave at any time. If you have any questions about the event, you can contact Rona Houser or Meredith Welshans at clintonrfl@gmail.com . Or you can speak with anyone in a red Event Leadership t-shirt the day of Relay.
All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

May 20, 2016

4 p.m.: Start of Clinton County Relay for Life

6 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies

7-8:30 p.m.: SNUG

9 p.m.: Luminary Ceremony

10-11:30 p.m.: LIXX

May 21, 2016

9-10 a.m.: Zumba with Lori Hoy

10-11 a.m.: Yoga with Megan Mazourka

10:30: Survivor Brunch

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Hair Donations for Wigs with Roz Rebarchek

Noon: Survivor Ceremony