Relay for Life remembers and fights back

Published 9:58 pm Friday, April 22, 2016

ancer survivors including Ovetta Moultrie (left), John Harper (center) and Linda Morenzoni (right) kick of Friday’s Selma and Dallas County Relay for Life Walk.

ancer survivors including Ovetta Moultrie (left), John Harper (center) and Linda Morenzoni (right) kick of Friday’s Selma and Dallas County Relay for Life Walk.

Many teams from local businesses, schools and organizations came together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society through the Selma and Dallas County Relay for Life Walk Friday.

Since November, teams have been working toward a $100,000 goal. The walk is held each year to remember and honor cancer survivors and others who have been touched by the disease in some way.

Event Chair Tanya Miles said she was glad to see so many people came out to support the event in spite of the rain and change of location at the last minute.

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“I think we still had a good turnout, and I believe everyone is having a good time,” Miles said.

She said she decided to lend a hand in planning the event after her sister Sherri James died in 2009 from cancer.

James was planning that year’s Relay for Life Walk when she died.

After bank night Thursday, the accumulation of money raised by all teams totaled $74,000. As of deadline Friday night, money raised onsite at the walk had not been counted and added with Thursday’s funds.

Dianne Harris is a breast cancer survivor of 19 years who said she has been coming to the walk since her remission.

“It’s very rewarding to see so many people come out and be supportive, both morally as well as financially. It’s good for older survivors to be an encouragement for those who have just started with their treatments,” Harris said.

Youlanda Moorer has survived cancer for the past two years. She said she looks forward to the walk each year.

“It’s amazing. I’m really proud to see all of these people come out and support the cause because it could happen to anyone. This event gives cancer survivors hope, inspiration, courage and just lets them know there are many people out there who cares for them,” Moorer said.

Some of the funds that were raised during Relay for Life will be donated to cancer patients within Selma and Dallas County. The money goes toward traveling vouchers, lodging and medicine among many other things.

“It’s very important to be able to help people because when people have to decide between buying medicine and paying a bill, The American Cancer Society can help alleviate those costs,” Miles said.

She said she wants survivors of Dallas County to know they are cared about, loved and supported.