By Rick Dandes
SELINSGROVE — Hundreds of cancer survivors and caregivers ignored threats of rain Friday and kicked off two “Relay for Life” fundraisers, at Susquehanna University’s Lopardo Stadium and in Beavertown, at the fairgrounds.
Both relays were part of a national American Cancer Society campaign designed to raise money for the fight against cancer.
Last year, Selinsgrove walkers raised more than $140,000, chairwoman Jen Bernstein said. The goal this year is $175,000.
“I’m very confident that we will do well this year, despite the economy,” Bernstein said.
The Selinsgrove event was the first in the Valley, and other local relays, like the Lewisburg and Mifflinburg Relays for Life branched off it.
“We started 16 years ago. We’re veterans at running this, and we’re proud of that,” Bernstein said. “I think other Relays have been able to learn from us and how we’ve organized the 24-hour event.”
The community immediately took to the idea of the Relay, she added. “That’s the reason for our success. And, it’s typical of Selinsgrove. We’re fighters, and we’re fighting cancer.”
By 7 p.m., just after the survivors’ lap, and before the Hannah Montana children’s lap, the Relay took on an almost celebratory, carnival-like atmosphere.
“We’re out here for 24 hours,” Bernstein said. “We make sure there is entertainment for everyone. Music. Food. And yet, there is a very serious aspect to all this. We want to remember those who have passed on as well as celebrate those who have survived the fight against cancer.”
One of those survivors is Jerry Mostel, of Middleburg, who said his cancer was in remission. He was walking with his family members who supported him through months of treatments.
Martha Stivers and her sister, Johanna, lost their father to cancer two years ago.
“That’s why we’re here. To show support for survivors and to help raise money for research,” Martha Stivers said.
