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Support cancer survivors at Friday's Relay for Life

Friday is the second annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Williams.

The event is an all-night pass the baton event to raise money for cancer research. But the event is not just about research — it’s also about supporting people who are living with the disease.Chuck Crockatt, owner of the Grand Canyon Harley Davidson in Bellemont, pours syrup into containers for the Saturday pancake breakfast held at the shop from 7:30-10 a.m. For three weeks, the proceeds from the breakfast will be given to the Williams Relay for Life, Aug.11-12.

“This relay event is to honor cancer survivors — the money is a bonus,” said Debbie Kunow, volunteer from the Prescott office of the American Cancer Society.

The event starts at 6 p.m. on the high school football field with local cancer survivors walking the first lap of the relay. Afterwards, the survivors will enjoy a reception table with refreshments provided by the Grand Canyon Railway (GCRY).

At 10 p.m., is the luminaria ceremony. Luminaria are remembrance bags holding candles decorated with names and messages to people who have died from cancer or for survivors.

“This is the last chance for people to make luminaria for their loved ones,” said Carol DeLander, chair for the Williams relay who is also the luminaria chair. “The luminaria will be put out by the Future Business Leaders of America team Friday night and will be lit during the ceremony.”

Also at the ceremony, two cancer survivors will tell their stories and then the names on the luminaria will be read.

Two late additions to the relay events include a remembrance wall and the raffle of a donated computer.

“The memory wall is going to be for those who have lost a loved one to come and decorate with pictures and sentiments,” said Rosie Brown, relay volunteer.

After the relay, the wall will be on display at the Williams Health Care Center. Materials for the wall were donated by Old Trails Hardware Store.

“Roger Anderson donated a computer we can raffle off,” said Sue Henson, survivor chairwoman and cancer survivor.

Tickets for the raffle will be available at the relay. Also being raffled off is a Navajo rug donated by the Pueblo Indian Gallery.

The relay will include musicians from the GCRY entertaining from 6-10 p.m. The Fifth Regimental Cavalry Band will perform around 6:30 p.m., and the Cataract Creek Gang will do a cowboy shootout at 8 p.m., A scavenger hunt will be ongoing throughout the night and a midnight pajama party will be held. Early morning aerobics will be at 6 a.m along with an awards ceremony and a pancake breakfast provided by the Williams Rotary Club.

“Show your support and help us fight cancer by coming out and enjoying this relay,” DeLander said. “We want the whole community there.”


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