¯ Lynne Goodwill, Team Haven Sent, has been participating in Relay For Life of Warren County PA for 5 years as participant, team captain, and an executive leadership team member. Lynne’s favorite part of Relay For Life is seeing family and friends working together for one cause. Relay is important to Lynne because, she said, “I’ve watched too many people, both patients and their families, suffer from this.” Lynne said that she wants people to know that Relay is a wonderful experience that brings people together for a common cause. “You meet new people, find new bonds, and work to help so many,” said Lynne, adding that “I’ve heard people say that this money doesn’t stay in our town. We have an amazing Cancer Care Center in Warren and every treatment they give had to be thought of, experimented with, and proven in a lab somewhere in order for it to be used here. That,” said Lynne, “is where you can see your dollars at work.” Lynne’s favorite motivational quote is “never give up!”

¯ Melissa McLean, Team WCSD Incredibles, has been doing Relay For Life of Warren County PA for three years as participant, team captain, and an executive leadership team member. Melissa’s favorite part of Relay For Life is the luminaria ceremony. Relay is important to Melissa, she said, because “cancer is the ultimate bully. It is powerful and indiscriminate. Relay For Life stands up to cancer. it sends the message that we will not be bullied into submission. It sends the message that we will continue to fight. It sends the message that despite everything that cancer throws at us, we will keep fighting until we win. Truthfully, Relay For Life is hope personified.” Melissa wants people to know that there’s no running involved in Relay. “Seriously though,” said Melissa, “Relay For Life is about honoring cancer survivors and caregivers, remembering those that have lost the fight, and coming together to celebrate a community that is bigger than anyone can imagine. For me personally, it’s about bringing all the best parts of ourselves together, standing up to acknowledge each other in the best ways possible, and to continue fighting for those that can’t fight anymore. And, if you I haven’t convinced you yet, it’s also a ton of fun.” Melissa added that “sometimes, there are times in your life where the best thing you can do, the only thing you can do, is just show up and support one another. To me, that showing up, that community, is one of the best parts of Relay For Life. It is a very visceral reminder that regardless of what this disease throws at you, or your loved ones, you are not alone. I want my son to know that a world without cancer is possible, and that by showing up, and fighting back, he can help change the world. We can change the world.” Melissa’s favorite motivational quote is from Margaret Mead, who said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

¯ Sonya Irons, Team Bullock Family & Friends, has been involved with Relay For Life for five years as a participant, team captain, and executive leadership team member. Sonya’s favorite part of Relay For Life is the Survivor’s Lap. Relay is important to Sonya because cancer, she said, “changed my life 25 years ago when my mother lost her battle. I don’t want my children or future grandchildren to ever hear those three words: you have cancer.” Sonya’s favorite motivational quote is “never ever give up.”

¯ Michael Hanks, Team Purple Crush, has been involved in Relay For Life for 15 years and served in a variety of roles. He is one of this year’s event leads. Michael’s favorite part of Relay is the survivor luminaria ceremonies, and watching a community come together to end this horrible disease. Relay is important to Michael, he said, because “It brings awareness to how horrible of a disease cancer is. It shows support to survivors, doesn’t let the lost be forgotten, and lets the world know we are fighting back for a world without cancer.” Relay, said Michael, “is a network of individuals who have one thing in common — cancer. It’s a word we don’t like to hear until it is followed by free! Why? Our goal is to have a world free of cancer. Every day. Every dollar. The American Cancer Society is making strides in eliminates cancer as a major health concern.” Michael said that he relays for “my grandmothers who both lost their battles to cancer. I Relay for Susie, my daughter’s godmother, who lost her battle to cancer. I Relay for Samantha, who lost her battle to cancer. I Relay for Erika who is battling cancer for the third time. I Relay to end cancer.” Michael’s favorite motivational quote is from Tim McGraw: “Live like you are dying.”

¯ Jana Hanks, Team Purple Crush, has been participating in Relay For Life for many years as a walker. This year is her fifth year as team captain. Relay is important to Jana because “Relay brings together common people working together to find a cure and give people hope. As an oncology nurse, I get to treat people first hand, hear their stories, meet their families and try to answer all their questions. I once asked a patients family, ‘is there anything I can get you,’ and they responded, ‘a cure.’ I could proudly look at that family member and say I’m trying.” Jana’s favorite part of Relay is the luminaria ceremony. “It is a chance to honor and remember those who fought and won, those who fought a great battle, and those who helped them along the way.” If Jana could tell people one thing about Relay, she would tell them that Relay is not only for cancer patients. “It is for everyone, and it is truly a celebration,” said Jana. Jana’s favorite motivation quote comes from her former boss, who lost his battle to cancer. “Live life to the fullest.”

¯Nena Galbraith, Team Mandy’s Mission, has been participating in Relay For Life since 2001. Her favorite part of Relay is supporting and fighting for those who have cancer and those who are survivors. Nena said the most important thing about Relay to her is that “it allows me to help people out when they are not feeling well.” Nena said that above all she wants people to know that Relay is a good cause. Nena said that she enjoys “helping and supporting during these hard and difficult times, because my family and friends have or have had cancer.” Nena’s favorite motivational quote is “never give up.”