Share: 

Relay for Life of Sussex County raises funds

Getting ready for the Relay for Life Sept. 10 are (l-r) Event Chair Kathy Blanchette, Marketing Director Rob Smith and American Cancer Society Senior Community Manager Debbie White. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
September 17, 2022

The Sussex County Relay for Life took place Sept. 10 at Sandhill Fields in Georgetown. The event is the largest fundraising activity for the American Cancer Society. Local programs support cancer patients and caregivers. 

Ten teams, having nearly 150 participants, raised more than $40,000 toward the $75,000 goal. 

This year’s local, family-friendly event, themed Giving Cancer the Boot, included a car show, DJ, food trucks, fun and games for all involved. The traditional luminaria ceremony was held at sundown to honor cancer survivors and remember those lost.

“The leadership committee worked hard all year to put this amazing event together to remember those that lost their battle to cancer and celebrate the survivors,” said Event Chair Kathy Blanchette. “We are always looking for volunteers and teams to join our fight in Giving Cancer the Boot.” 

Those who would like to donate can go to www.relayforlife.org/Sussexcode.

 

Cancer survivors walk the lead lap of Relay for Life.
Millsboro Kiwanis members attending the event are in back (l-r) Cindy Vincent, Susan LaFontaine, John Kywelski, Marianna Smith, Amie Parker and Darlene Phillips with Buster. In front are Kristen Subach and Shirley Dennis.
Melissa Lathrop walked for her friend Amanda York’s daughter Maddie McGinnis, who passed away from brain cancer nearly two years ago.
Matthew Westcott tosses a ring around the horse’s neck at the Grace Church.
Holding down the Beebe Healthcare oncology booth are (l-r) Rita Williams, Shadow Perry, Susan Otroba and Christine Allen.
Members of the Tatiana Akinfieva Dance Academy show their support for Relay for Life. Shown are (l-r) Cambri String, 8, Miss Delaware Outstanding Teen; Brynn String, 15; Zoe Lasher, 16; Gabby Morgan, 15; Grace Minner, 17; Ava Brozefsky, 13; Carmie Blanchette, 16; Caitlyn Fannin, 13; and directors Aimee String and Misty Yencer.
The caregivers walk with their survivors.
The kids lap brought young energy to the event.
Enjoying the event are Bonnie McIlvain, left, and her survivor friend Dareth Penuel.
Silent auction chair Shelly Laubden displays the items up for bid.
Matthew Westcott tosses a ring around the horse’s neck at the Grace Church booth for a cool prize.
Event chair Kathy Blanchette speaks to the crowd about how Relay for Life has affected her family in a positive way.
Aimee Parker entertains the crowd.
Delmarva’s Young Miss Diamond State Charli Evans, 9, sings the national anthem.
The people cheer as the cancer survivors walk the lead lap of Relay for Life.
Dr. Katie Johnson from Beebe Healthcare’s Tunnell Cancer Center speaks about the hope for cancer survivors.
Cancer survivors walk the lead lap of Relay for Life.
Caregivers walk with survivors.
Stop cancer.
Christine Johnson stands with her 1946 Ford during the car show.
Phil Taylor shows off his 1970 SuperSport 396.
June and Steve Ostenso peeks through the hood on their 2022 Dodge Challenger.
Charlie Gears displays his 1955 Chevy two door Handyman Wagon.
Ron Shockley of Milford shows his 2020 50th Anniversary Dodge Challenger.
Kyle Hammond displays his 2017 S Jeep.
Event attendees were able to donate and adopt a duck.

Most Popular

Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

Most Popular