Anyone traveling through Tucker County this past week could not help but know that everyone was gearing up for the Tucker County Relay For Life Saturday at R.H. Armstrong Field.
Throughout the county, everyone was decorating with purple bows, ribbons and flags. Brightly-colored purple footprints led the way to the field for the relay.
Approximately 50 cancer survivors gathered with their family, friends, caregivers and community members to celebrate life and raise funds for things such as cancer research and education.
Article Photos
The Inter-Mountain photos by Beth Christian Broschart
Hundreds pack the R.H. Armstrong Field in Parsons Saturday to celebrate life and raise funds for the Tucker County Relay For Life. Approximately 50 Cancer survivors took the lead lap around the field and were joined by their caregivers for the second lap. Ten teams worked to support the efforts with themes such as Grease, the Wizard of Oz, Shrek, the Santa Clause, Field of Dreams and children of winter. A full roster of activities was planned from noon to midnight. More photos are available at cu.theintermountain.com.
The event began with a lunch sponsored by Davis Health Care.
Chairwoman for the Relay for Life was Linda Bonner who welcomed everyone and introduced other committee members including co-chairwoman April Suesli, survivor chair Becky Moore, luminaria chairwoman Kathy DiBacco, baked goods auction chairwoman Ronda Helmick, silent auction chairwoman Ruth Alkire, activities chairwoman Kathy Lee and paint the county purple chairwoman Linda Maxwell.
"Everyone has worked really hard this year," Bonner said. "We have 10 great teams and five of them are new teams. We are very happy for everyone's support."
Activities during the Tucker County Relay For Life included kids' activities, a silent auction, karaoke time, a box car derby, baked goods auction, and a luminaria ceremony and memory lap. Entertainment was provided by Aimee Canfield, the FUMC Singers, Tyler Bolyard, Holly Ash, dance by Farrah, Jack Hedrick and friends and Joyful Noise.
Survivor comments were presented by local resident Randy Moore. Moore told survivors of his illness and how quickly he was sent to Morgantown for his diagnosis and treatment.
"As I was going through my treatment, I woke early one morning by a warmth flowing over me, kind of like being stroked, but by nothing I could see. I realized I was experiencing the fruit of the spirit, and the hand of Jesus. Then it became a tidal wave."
This is when Moore knew he was going to be all right and knew everything would be fine.
"I was not expected to survive the first weekend," Moore said. "But with the support of family and friends and faith I made it through."
Moore's cancer is now in remission. He received a stem cell transplant from a donor in Michigan.
"I stand before you today a blessed man," Moore said. "Cancer is a plague, but with the support of each other and faith in God's promises, we can overcome cancer."
Area merchants painting the county purple include CJ's Pizzeria, serving purple pizza Friday night, Little Andi's Restaurant with purple milk on Tuesday and purple pancakes for breakfast on Saturday. Canaan Valley Resort offered purple drinks and Big John's in Davis served purple ice cream. Purple cheese cake was available at Hellbender's and the Purple Fiddle offered its guests purple lemonade.
The Flying Pigs in Thomas sold rhumbleberry pie and Enchanted Cakes offered purple cinnamon rolls. Purple milkshakes and shaved ice could be purchased at Foxes Pizza Den and Hair Haven offered purple streaks and purple hair extensions.
Part of the money raised with by the merchant purple offerings was donated to the Tucker County Relay For Life.
