Seven teams participated in the Rockbridge County Relay for Life Saturday evening at Central Elementary School, helping the local committee to raise over $26,800 as of Monday. Over 150 luminarias surrounded the track in honor or in memory of those who have or have had cancer, and 36 names were submitted for the Hill of Hope to remember those who have lost their battle since last year’s relay. The event began with Norman Claytor taking the first lap symbolizing a newly diagnosed cancer survivor. He represented survivors who couldn’t attend this year. Maybe they were in the hospital, maybe side effects from treatment had them not feeling up to going out, maybe they needed to isolate themselves for a procedure in the coming days, or just maybe they were newly diagnosed and had no idea where to turn. Over 26 survivors registered to be take part in relay. A video of some of the touching – and entertaining - moments from the relay can be found on The News-Gazette’s website. Donations are still being accepted through Sept. 25; visit relayforlife. org/rockbridgeva for details and for information on helping with next year’s relay. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)
