Cancer survivors took the first lap around Civitan Park Saturday afternoon for Washington County’s 31st Relay for Life event. Individuals were lined up in order of the year they beat cancer. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

BELPRE — Relay For Life of Washington County celebrated its 31st year at Belpre Civitan Park on Saturday. The event, which ran from 3 to 10 p.m., kicked off with food trucks, live music and a cake walk to name a few.

The opening ceremony began around 5 p.m. with a focus on survivor recognition and an overview of the American Cancer Society’s mission statement.

“I’m honored to be the event chair this year and we’re all working towards the same mission, which is to make a difference in the fight against cancer and to end cancer as we know it for everyone,” said volunteer and event lead Rhonda Blair.

The respective walking teams for the evening were: The Belpre Cancer Center, Bridget & Ace’s Brigade, Cancer Crush, Cancer Kickers, Gotta Cute Em All, Kenadee Strong, Marietta Elementary School, Miller Family & Friends, Ron’s Angels, Sorelle di Lotta, Tunnel Warren UMC, Westlake Dimex and Williamstown High School National Honor Society.

Relay For Life is a cancer awareness walk with the goal to raise money for cancer research and raises funds to support families and survivors impacted by cancer.

The community gathered at Civitan Park on Saturday for Washington County’s 31st Relay For Life event. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The lawn at Civitan Park on Saturday was packed with sponsor tents such as the Memorial Health System, Whits Frozen Custard, Starbucks, Sorelle di Lotta, the survivor’s tent and so many more.

“Every 15 seconds, someone hears the words, ‘you have cancer’. But thanks to your support, they are also hearing ‘you have options’,” said Blair. “We’ve seen a 33 percent decline in the cancer mortality rate since 1991 which means we have more survivors at events like this than ever before.”

Two of the survivors, community member Alisha Wright and event Grand Marshal Erma Rutter, shared their experience and gratitude. Wright was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of 2024, a few years before she turned 40.

“Cancer doesn’t care how full your calendar is or how much your family needs you,” said Wright. “Tonight, every lap is for those who survived, those still fighting, and those we carry in our hearts forever.”

The first walk began around 6 p.m. and consisted of all of the cancer survivors that were in attendance for the event. After lining up in order of the year they beat cancer, the group walked around the park while the crowd cheered in honor of their strength.

Mother, wife and cancer survivor Alisha Wright spoke at Civitan Park Saturday afternoon during the Relay For Life event where she shared her personal experience with beating cancer. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Later in the evening, more events such as the auction, talent show and additional laps accompanied with live music concluded festivities.

The volunteers also paid tribute to fellow friend and volunteer Michele Hendershot after her passing earlier this spring. A chair was set on the front steps of the gazebo with a Relay For Life t-shirt placed upon it in honor of her commitment to the cause.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com

The sidewalks of Belpre Civitan Park were lined Saturday with the names of cancer survivors and sponsors for Washington County’s 31st Relay For Life event. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Cancer survivors at Washington County’s 31st Relay For Life event lined the steps of the gazebo at Belpre Civitan Park Saturday for group photos and recognition. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Tents lined Belpre Civitan Park on Saturday for the 31st Relay For Life of Washington County. The lawn was packed with supporting community members and company sponsors. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The survivors tent at Washington County’s 31st Relay For Life event Saturday at Civitan Park had items for survivors to collect. One of these items included Relay For Life purple pillows. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Among many of the tents spread out on the park lawn at Belpre Civitan Park Saturday for Washington County’s 31st Relay For Life event was the survivors tent which featured items from the sponsors for survivors to take home afterwards. (Photo by Amber Phipps)