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Cancer survivors start out on their walk around the WGHS track.

Imagine, if you can, a world without the scourge of cancer

Relay for Life, Mini-Relay held in Schuyler County

WATKINS GLEN, June 11 -- The annual Schuyler County Relay for Life and the second annual Mini-Relay for Life celebrated the existence of humankind Friday -- and looked forward to the day (as an event T-shirt put it) when there will be "A World Without Cancer."

But for now it is on the mind of many individuals and families -- some of whom were on hand at the Watkins Glen High School athletic field Friday evening for the traditional Relay for Life activities: a march around the track by Survivors and Caregivers, speeches by the event coordinators and a cancer survivor, games, food, an overnight tent-out by many participants, and new this year: a dunking machine, where anyone paying a dollar could throw three balls at a large button that -- when hit -- dumped a person into a tub of cold water.

The first dunkee was County Legislator Phil Barnes, who would be followed by Watkins Glen Police Chief Tom Struble, Watkins Glen trustees Scott Gibson and Wayne Weber, and Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton.

In her speech, event co-chair Laurie McCoon told the assembled participants that "we're all here for the same reason: to bring an end to cancer ... Tonight we will not sleep because cancer never sleeps ... Together we can and we will beat this disease."

Co-chair Becky Franklin noted that on average, two people are diagnosed each week with cancer in Schuyler County, "and one will die... Every single person here is doing his part to make a difference."

Survivor Kristina Burke told the harrowing tale of her cancer, which first appeared as a lump in her breast in 2008. That led to chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, a false alarm over a spot that appeared in an MRI of her brain, and a return of cancer, this time to her spine. She underwent radiation therapy in May while maintaining a job. "The doctors tell me I'm treatable but uncurable," she said, noting that she lives "one day at a time; each day is a gift. I believe the day will come when we will live in a fairy tale where 'Once upon a time there was a world without cancer.'"

Following Kristina's speech, Kelly Crout and Burke's daughter Kaylynn released helium balloons skyward "in memory of loved ones," said Crout, adding: "We hope as they float to the heavens that (those loved ones) will know we are thinking of them."

Mini-Relay:

The second annual Hanlon Elementary School Mini-Relay was held on the Odessa-Montour High School athletic field, with a dozen different stations emphasizing education and fun. Groups of 3rd through 6th Grade students visited each station in intervals of eight minutes.

The stations included one featuring Yoga, where the instructor told students that the practice of Yoga is a stress reducer. Another station showed the benefits of sunscreen, while at another, an instructor explained what cancer is. Fun stations featured face painting, hula hoops, potato sack racing, and an obstacle course.

Along the track were luminaria -- bags that could be illuminated by candles -- with names of lost loved ones. The same ceremony is a staple of the larger Relay for Life ceremony. At least one group was walking the track throughout the event to symbolize that there is no finish line until a cure for cancer is found.

There were speeches, music provided by DJ Anthony Curren, and singing by the 5th Grade Chorus.

The final message to the kids, as printed on an event flyer: "Take action in the fight against cancer by taking personal steps such as not smoking, wearing sunscreen, being active, and eating nutritiously."

Photos in text:

Top: The Crane-Shaw family at the Survivors Dinner in the WGHS cafeteria. Devon, at right, is a cancer survivor.

Second: Relay for Life co-chair Laurie McCoon addresses the crowd. At right is co-chair Becky Franklin, while guest speaker Kristina Burke is at left.

Third: Hanlon Elementary School students crawl through an obstacle as part of a Mini-Relay race Friday afternoon.

Bottom: High school students helped at the Mini-Relay. Among them, helping at the Obstacle Race, were Michelle Melanson, left, and Jocelyn Garrison.

Members of the Freedom Village singers entertained during the Survivors Dinner at WGHS.

Left: Lou Cicconi of Blue Lou and the Moonlighters performs at the Relay for Life. Right: Student Taylor Sykes was hula hooping at the Mini-Relay.

Many students were on hand for the Relay for Life, including these from WGHS: From left, Throsby Wells, Sarah Bond, Emily Pazar, Chris Flood, Kelsey Johnson, Brenton Whiting and Adam Rice.

Paint at the Mini-Relay was used to create designs (left) or a message (right).

Schuyler County Legislator Phil Barnes prepares to climb out of a vat of cold water after the first of many dunkings he experienced at the Relay for Life.

A Memorial Garden at the Relay featured names of loved ones lost to cancer over the years.