ACS Relay for Life set for Holmes County return
After a few years of absence, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will return to West Holmes High School’s stadium on Aug. 23. Cancer touches the lives of nearly everyone in some capacity, and this event is designed to let those dealing with the disease know they aren’t alone. Current organizers are seeking teams, volunteers and committee members willing to step up and join the fight.
Kaylea Kessinger fondly remembers her youthful days of walking the track, hanging out with friends until all hours of the night, and the glow of luminaria and everything else that went along with Holmes County Relay for Life.
Back then it was all about taking in all the sights and sounds of the event.
“That was the highlight of our summer for me and my sister,” Kessinger said. “We would go as a 4-H group and have a campfire, back when Relay was 24 hours. The music, dancing, walking, sharing together was so awesome. I knew what it was for, but I never really understood.”
Today, things have changed dramatically, which is why she has taken on the task of rebuilding Relay for Life in Holmes County.
Not many years ago, Kessinger was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Her mother Angie Wigton was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Others she knows intimately have been diagnosed, so the threat of this disease is all too real in her life.
The date for Holmes Country Relay for Life has been set for Saturday, Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to midnight at West Holmes High School’s stadium, and Kessinger and her small committee have worked to bring it back to its former glory.
The event served as a staple for many years until 2016 when Holmes County joined Wayne County. Then COVID set in, and Relay for Life in Holmes County disappeared altogether.
Sadly, the threat of cancer did not disappear, which is why Kessinger is so passionate about bringing the American Cancer Society fundraiser back to the area.
“Unfortunately, cancer touches us all in some manner,” Kessinger said.
Kessinger said this event is not only about raising funds, but also about raising awareness of cancer’s impact on just about everyone’s life in some way.
More importantly, it is a time of connectivity, support, understanding and unity for those working to defeat cancer, along with their loved ones, friends and neighbors.
Kessinger knows the loneliness that can accompany cancer because for many months she tried to hide it so no one knew of her plight.
“Having that support, knowing others are there walking alongside you is so important,” Kessinger said. “When I started this journey, I was very hush-hush about it. I didn’t want people to know. I didn’t want the looks of pity.”
That all changed when she realized others were dealing with the same scenario, and a strong support group is a necessity in fighting the fight.
“I realized that I didn’t need people’s pity; I needed people to fight with me,” she said. “I don’t need your pity; I need your strength. When I can’t be strong, I need you to be strong for me.”
She said she is blessed with a tremendous support group, and knowing others are there beside her is inspiring.
Those are sentiments shared universally by individuals trying to overcome cancer.
Now Kessinger is presenting an opportunity for the community to stand in the gap and walk hand-in-hand with those struggling with cancer.
The evening will be much like it used to be, with plenty of walking, luminaria, honoring those going through the process of recovery and remembering those who have passed away from cancer. It also will include food vendors, craft tables and plenty of music, with a disc jockey and perhaps a local band.
What Kessinger needs now is twofold: She is seeking additional committee members willing to step in and lighten the load including volunteers to both prepare for the night and work during the night.
The second thing she needs are teams.
Relay for Life is built around teams coming together to walk and raise money, whether that is collecting donations or providing fundraisers the night of the event, from selling cotton candy, candy bars or homemade jewelry to creating trinkets like rubber ducks or frogs that people can take with them around the track as they walk. Bake sales, stickers, lemonade, coffee, T-shirts and countless other options can serve as fundraisers, but Kessinger needs teams.
Those teams can be businesses, athletic teams, organizations, families or simply groups of friends who have felt the impact of cancer in their lives.
The more teams, the more funds and the more research can help negate the grip cancer has on lives.
“New treatments and studies are being developed that are helping us win the fight,” Kessinger said. “I think part of the fun of this night is getting a team together and being creative with outfits, tent decorations and themes. There’s a lot of activities and music, but most importantly, it’s about being there to support one another as family, friends and community.”
If any individuals or groups would like to volunteer, they can contact Kessinger on Facebook Messenger, text her at 330-600-7203 or email her at k.kessinger95@gmail.com.
She also can help anyone interested in registering a team, but the easiest way is to visit www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/relay-for-life.
Once there, click Join Relay for Life, then click the Join Relay icon and type in Holmes County.