Relay For Life raises $19,750 for the American Cancer Society

Relay For Life in Salisbury, held this past Saturday, raised $19,750 for the American Cancer Society during its 16th annual event.

"As a committee, we are pleased with how successful our Relay was," said Toshia Miller, a key player of the organizing committee.

"We had a great crowd all day. Each year we set a goal to raise for the American Cancer Society. While we aren't there yet (to a $50,000 goal), there is still time to submit donations.

"In all reality, any amount of money we raise is amazing and it's that much more that the Cancer Society didn't have before. Our community may be small but it is mighty. They are always willing to donate, whether it be financially, services, volunteer time, event locations for our fundraisers or items for our basket raffles."

And, while the financial numbers may have been down this year, the spirit of volunteerism and community involvement was high as ever.

Miller pointed out that Salisbury Builders' Supply sponsored the backyard games by Joint Training Facility; Burgmeier's Hauling donated a dumpster; Scotty's Potty donated a handicap potty; Wayne Conklin — Music Express, Levi Robinette Music, Country Express, Studio 7 Dance Company and Special Classic Dance all donated their time for entertainment.

Then, Paw Patrol, Jen Ansell Mountain Art and Double Deception Magic entertained kids of all ages. Albright's Pizza and Out of the Smoke came with food trucks. The Salisbury Lions Club served their pancakes and sausage breakfast and the Maple City Garden Club helped serve at the Survivor dinner.

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"They say it takes a village, we definitely have a village behind us," said Miller. "We really couldn't do it without the support of our community. Thank you to those who continue to donate year after year. One day, our efforts will pay off and this world will no longer know about cancer.

"Our committee works hard all year long and that shows at every event we hold. They truly are amazing people and we are all thankful for each other and the relationships we have built over the years."

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This Relay started in 2007 at Meyersdale Area School District's track and continued to be held there until a few years ago when a microburst storm took out the announcer's stand that year. Since the change of venue, organizers have decided to stay in Salisbury.

The event started at 8 a.m. Saturday and concluded with fireworks by Little Big Shots at dark with several activities throughout the day, including children's activities, entertainment, speakers, a cake auction and performances.

During the event, Deb Hoover of Meyersdale served as this year's keynote speaker and shared her story of surviving breast cancer. Throughout her speech, Hoover remarked about God's hand, His shield and His shelter and His plan and blessings. She also related how a car accident and a job change in her life was all part of God's plan.

Nine months after her car accident a benign cyst that doctors knew about and were watching had changed into a mass and she was diagnosed with cancer without any prior family history. After her first chemotherapy treatment, the mass was reduced by 60%.

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"We are all in this together somehow," said Hoover. "There is an unspoken bond and so much understanding from those who have been part of this 'club' none of us ever wanted to join.

"And that bond reaches to our caregivers and to those who have supported us. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for those of us who have depended on you and could not have made it without your love and encouragement."

She gave credit to her strong support system of family members, her friends and especially three lifelong dear friends, all the "prayer warriors who stood daily in the gap," church family, so many cards, calls and random acts of kindness.

"Today, we celebrate surviving. Our hearts are broken for the ones we have lost and we stand with and pray for those who are continuing the fight. Please remember, don't wait for the storm to pass. Learn to 'Dance in the Rain,'" she said.

Sandy Miller, who served as last year's keynote speaker, also addressed the crowd during the fight back ceremony in the evening. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and underwent surgery and treatment. Since then, she has talked to dozens of others who are facing the same struggle and she tries to offer hope as a survivor.

As she was approaching her five-year anniversary of being cancer-free in January, her doctors expressed concern over her raised tumor markers in the blood work but it was thought that those elevated levels were due to her second COVID-19 vaccine. Bloodwork a month later revealed that the markers were even more elevated and a CAT scan showed lesions on her spine, ribs and pelvis.

"It was like reliving the nightmare from almost five years ago," she said. "Next up my treatment plan. Will my treatment ever end? Never. Not until there is a cure. Although great strides are being made, we need to support research for a cure. This is why we are here at Relay for Life."

Miller related that she is doing fine right now and her scans show that her cancer is stable. She remains positive and has turned her life over to God and is thankful for her support system in her husband, family and friends.

"When I was diagnosed with metastatic cancer I had no idea how different everyday life would look. I take notice of the small things now and cherish time and find the beauty that I never stopped to see before. My grandchildren are my heart and they motivate and inspire me. They have no idea the part they play in my daily fight," she said.

Diana Lepley, one of the founders of the southern Somerset County relay, related during the evening of the event that the Relay went well once again this year and it means so much to so many people.

"We had good crowds all day long with a steady flow of people. We had some rain but not a washout. We are very pleased with the turnout and everyone's cooperation and we will keep fighting," she said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Relay For Life Salisbury, Pa, raises funds for American Cancer Society