Youngstown Relay for Life continues at YSU through noon Saturday

YOUNGSTOWN

When Nicole Denno’s father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1984 at the age of 36, the word “cancer” was one that people just wouldn’t say. It automatically connoted death.

“They told him he was dying,” said Denno, event chairwoman for the American Cancer Society’s Youngstown Relay for Life. “It’s not like [cancer] is a dirty secret. There’s hope behind it.”

Denno said she is motivated by cancer survivors like her father, who is cancer-free today at age 66, to raise awareness of the disease and funds for its research through events like this weekend’s Youngstown Relay for Life.

The Youngstown Relay for Life began at 6 p.m. today with an opening ceremony at Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center, and will continue through noon Saturday.

The 18 intervening hours were set to be filled with a host of activities — among them a luminaria ceremony that honors cancer survivors and remembers those who lost their battle with the disease, and decade-themed events, like disco dance and big hair contests.

Read more about the event in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.