By ROBIN SWAYNEY
Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives communities across the globe a chance to come together to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Relay for Life of Cherokee celebrated, along with 45 survivors and their caregivers, in an evening of good food, good friends and lots of smiles at a dinner on Saturday, July 21.
Relay for Life of Cherokee held a Survivor’s Dinner at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21. (Photo by Robin Swayney)
After dinner, Darrell Ross, Harold Long, and Alissa Lambert, along with others, shared their stories of fighting cancer and encouraged the other survivors in their battle. The night ended with plenty of door prizes for all survivors and a cupcake celebration to commemorate celebrating more birthdays.
There are 13 teams and 209 participants, including 85 survivors, registered for this year’s Relay for Life event that will be held at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds on Friday, July 27 starting at 6pm through Saturday, July 28 at 6am.
This unforgettable event raises awareness and funds to save lives, and helps those touched by cancer. The experience at the fairgrounds will be educational, fun and very inspirational. Everyone is invited to be a part of this event and can stop by any time to walk the track, partake in activities and support the on-site fund-raising of the many participating teams. We want to emphasize you do not have to be signed up in advance. We just want you there to help us celebrate the many victories over cancer in our community.
Relay for Life of Cherokee schedule
Friday, July 27
12pm – Teams can begin set-up
6-6:30pm – Opening ceremonies: presentation of colors by Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143, invocation by Jerry Wolfe, national anthem in Cherokee by Miss Cherokee Kristie Hyatt, national anthem in English by Yona Wade, Principal Chief Michell Hicks, Harrah’s Cherokee general manager Brooks Robinson, introduction of committee, Kituwah Academy Singers
7:30-8:15pm – Will Thompson and Black Stone
8:30-9:30pm – My Highway
9:30-10pm – Luminary Ceremony, Awohali Singers
10-10:30pm – Regina Arkansas
10:45-12am – Relay Idol teens
Saturday, July 28
12-1am – Relay Idol adults
1-2am – PJ Fashion Show
2-3am – Music and dancing with DJ Chance
3-4am – Wii games
4-5am – Music and dancing with DJ Chance
5-5:30am – Zumba with Sussy
5:30-6am – Closing/Fight Back ceremonies
