SALISBURY ― The 18th annual American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life of Meyersdale, Salisbury and Berlin in southern Somerset County once again celebrates those touched by cancer and is set for 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Salisbury Athletic Field.
And, while the relay comes just once a year in July, the work behind the scenes with dedicated community members takes all year.
Just ask Toshia Miller, who has been on the event leadership committee for years and now serves as a co-chairwoman with Julie Doyle. She says the committee starts planning for the next year almost immediately after the event is over each year. She said that it reaches out to not only those touched by cancer, but those who want to remember lost loved ones. Its purpose takes action by putting funding into place for lifesaving change.
"There has never been a more urgent need for increased community support. Cancer hasn’t stopped and neither can we," said Miller.
The event will kick off with a pancakes and sausage breakfast prepared by the Salisbury Lions Club at 8 a.m. There will be numerous character appearances throughout the day courtesy of the band Music Express. Characters include The Grinch, Pooh, Tigger, Paw Patrol and more.
A few event highlights include Backyard Games by JTF, dunk tank, live remote by WFRB radio station, Country Express, Flying Angels Cheer Group, Garrett School of Dance and Frostburg Dance Academy. There will be appearances by 2023 Somerset County Fair Queen Kaylin Weaver and 2024 Miss Mountain City and 2023 Miss Cumberland Rebecca West. There will also be a large basket raffle, food trucks, a survivor reception, a baked goods auction, a luminaria service and fireworks. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to watch the entertainment.
At 5:30 p.m., Kayden Livengood will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America. Salisbury VFW Post 8826 will hold the flag ceremony, followed by Trish Schropp as the survivor speaker and Toshia Miller as the fight-back speaker. Wayne Conklin will give the evening prayer. The survivor dinner at the Salisbury Borough Building will follow the survivor and caregiver laps
Cancer survivors are invited to attend the annual survivor dinner and can bring one caregiver with them. Survivors are encouraged to preregister for the meal by calling 800-227-2345 but are also welcome to register on the day of the event. To provide an alternative for any cancer survivors who would prefer not to attend the “in-person” reception, takeout will also be available. Dinner will consist of lasagna, salad, roll and dessert.
The traditional cake auction beginning at 7:30 p.m. will feature auctioneers Ron Ackerman and Butchie Knopsnyder.
Anyone who would like to dedicate a luminaria bag can do so for a small fee at www.relayforlife.org/pameyersdale or by contacting any Relay For Life of Meyersdale, Salisbury or Berlin team.
Luminaries can honor a lost loved one, someone currently battling or anyone who has overcome cancer. At about 9 p.m., relay participants share an emotional moment when each luminaria is lit in remembrance of a life touched by cancer with a moment of silence. Fireworks will follow the luminary service.
"Together, we can ensure that cancer patients and their caregivers and families have the support they need, that researchers can continue their work in finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer, and that all of us –especially the underserved – have a voice as we work to educate our legislators on matters related to cancer," said Miller.
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