Warren's Relay for Life underway on Courthouse Square

WARREN

Maria Pelayo of Warren not only endured rainy weather Friday night to support the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, she took a pie to the face — about 10 times.

Pelayo, 21, was part of a Relay team raising money in memory of her grandfather, Edward Sersich, who was a cancer survivor, but died in January. Pelayo is also a cancer survivor.

She was part of a group operating a booth on Courthouse Square during the annual cancer fundraiser that allowed people to throw a whipped-cream pie at someone for $1.

“One person paid to pie themselves,” one of the team members said.

The event began at 6 p.m. and continues until 6 p.m. today.

Palayo, who seemed to have the most pie on her face and hair of the people participating, said the Survivor’s Lap at the start of the Relay is powerful for her.

“I feel like when you come to downtown for Relay For Life you feel nothing but community and love, hoping a lap can help somebody live. It’s an amazing thing.”

The money her booth raises, along with donations made when Edward Searsich died, are going to the Howland Hope Center, a cancer-treatment facility.

Warren’s Relay For Life is the largest one in Ohio and 37th largest in the U.S., said A.C. McCullough, one of the masters of ceremonies.

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