Hope Doesn’t Stop

Scaled back Relay for Life event will be held at County Park in October

By Eugenia Jones
8eugenia@highland.net

Due to this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, two time honored traditions celebrating local cancer survivors along with those battling cancer and their caregivers and remembering those who have passed from the disease will take on a new look during a scaled back Relay for Life event at the McCreary County Park.
“With COVID-19 and all, we really felt like our hands were tied when it came to having a Relay for Life like we’ve had in the past,” said volunteer Crystal Ledbetter.
“The survivors are the reason we do the Relay for Life each year,” Ledbetter continued. “Some of us felt like we should still do something even if we can’t have a full event.”
Ledbetter, along with additional Relay for Life Committee members Teresa Boyatt, Fred and Pam Patrick, and Michelle Perry, have committed to hosting a mini-Relay for Life event in October.
“Doing it in October gives us time to get our ducks in a row,” Ledbetter explained. “We’ll be announcing the exact date soon.”
This year’s Relay for Life will be held at the McCreary County Park and will focus primarily on the traditional Survivors’ Walk and Luminaria. Both endeavors will be adjusted to reflect COVID-19 precautions and guidelines.
“This year, we will have a luminaria drive-thru at the McCreary County Park,” Ledbetter explained. “We’ll have individual signs dedicated to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who’s overcome cancer. People will be able to drive through the park to view.”
The Survivors’ Walk will take on a new twist as, for this year, it transforms itself into a vehicle parade through the park. Survivors can decorate their vehicles if they wish.
“Even though COVID-19 has changed the way we do things, I’m glad we are able to do something,” Ledbetter remarked. “After all, hope doesn’t stop.”
A luminaria sign dedicated to someone whose life has been touched by cancer can be purchased for $5.00. Proceeds from the sale of luminaria signs and all donations go to the American Cancer Society. Luminarias can be purchased or donations given by contacting Crystal Ledbetter, Teresa Boyatt, Fred or Pam Patrick, or Michelle Perry or at any United Cumberland Bank in McCreary County. Paypal can be used on the Relay for Life of McCreary County Facebook page. Relay for Life Teams can be formed to raise money for the American Cancer Society prior to the Relay for Life event in October. All teams are asked to follow COVID-19 guidelines and precautions when fundraising.
For more information about this year’s McCreary County Relay for Life, visit the Relay for Life of McCreary County FB page or contact one of the committee members.