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NEWPORT – Relay for Life of Pend Oreille Valley will hold an event for cancer victims, survivors and supporters at the Newport High School Ellersick Field Saturday and Sunday August 9-10.
With a Relay dinner on Friday at 5 p.m. the event kicks off with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. with survivors taking the first lap. It ends the next day at 6:30 a.m.
Katie LaVille, event chair for Relay for Life of Pend Oreille Valley, has been participating in the relay since it began 18 or 19 years ago.
Started in 1985 by a Tacoma doctor, Relay for Life is celebrating 40 years next year. This year is the 20th year for the Pend Oreille Valley Relay for Life.
“Everyone has a story. A lot of teams are affected by cancer or have a family member with cancer,” LaVille said.
The event will have food, fun things for kids, and information about cancer. Cancer Care Northwest, new to Newport, will be there this year.
Cancer Care Northwest is the Inland Northwest’s cancer center, providing an integrated approach to the diagnosis, treatment and healing of cancer and blood-related diseases.
Cancer Care Northwest is comprised of over 30 physicians and advanced practice providers, specializing in medical, surgical, and radiation oncology, along with a complete health care team.
Cancer Care Northwest serves patients at eight locations in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene metropolitan area, along with four outreach clinics throughout Washington state.
“We have teams that straddle the state line. We have teams from Priest River, Sandpoint and Spokane,” LaVille said.
Individuals, businesses and organizations have supported Relay for Life for nearly four decades from Beacon, Mountain West Bank, and Fire District 4 who will be providing first aid.
“The fire district are strong supporters. There is a high rate of cancer among firefighters and carcinogens,” LaVille said.
The fundraising goal this year is $10,000 and LaVille said with an expected registered turnout of 100, it will easily surpass the goal. Contrary to what many think, participants don’t run all night, although they could if they want to.
“It’s a well-kept secret. People think they have to run all night long,” LaVille said.
Funds raised goes to the American Cancer Society for research, funding young researchers, and supporting the Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3) that is a long-term study examining the link between cancer and carcinogens or lifestyle choices like obesity.
“Our event parallels the journey with cancer,” she said. “From the light when you get the cancer diagnosis, to dark when it’s hard and you feel like you are alone or you think about loved ones, back to light when people find hope and encouragement with others.”
In the evening, the event has illuminated bags and the names of cancer survivors and those who lost their battle are read.
