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Austintown has Relay for Life
The 24-hour, fundraising event ends today.
AUSTINTOWN — This wasn’t Debbie Fox’s first walk around the Austintown Fitch High School track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. But it was her first as a survivor.
“There are so many people here and it’s amazing how many survivors you see,” said Debbie Fox, Austintown. “When I was registering at the survivor’s tent there were so many people and it shows that this is working and that it’s helping.”
This is Fox’s third year as a participant in the Austintown Relay for Life.
“Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I decided to walk because I wanted to support and be there for anybody with cancer,” she said. “Now that I’ve had cancer it takes on a whole new meaning — to support the people who have had it and then my own personal reasons.”
The event started Friday and continues today. The 24-hour relay symbolizes that cancer never sleeps, said Melissa Bohr, Austintown committee chairperson.
Striped tents and colorful balloons created a party atmosphere. karaoke, a community breakfast and a fashion show were among the activities offered.
Twenty-three teams of 10 to 50 people each walked to raise the committee’s goal of $60,000. About 200 survivors — all wearing purple T-shirts — took the first lap around the track.
The event raises awareness of what the Cancer Society and the community are doing to fight cancer, Bohr said. The funds are used for cancer research and advocacy.
“A lot of it does stay here in the community for the programs they offer,” Bohr said.
Sherry Grein, Austintown, said, “I think it helps people to be aware of cancer. Plus the money helps toward the medicine for people who need it. I think it helps a lot of people out.”
A four-year ovarian cancer survivor, Grein has participated in Warren’s Relay for a couple of years, including this year.
Participating helps survivors’ self-esteem, she said. “I have a hard time walking, but I take my time.”