PENNINGTON GAP, Va. — Inspirational is not a term that should be used lightly, but it is definitely a term that could be used to describe the 5th Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Lee County that took place at Leeman Field on Friday evening.

The event began with a “celebratory lap in which survivors walk the track as they are cheered on by family, friends and Relay for Life participants.” Emotions were elevated for everyone in attendance. Tears of remembrance could be seen in the eyes and on the faces of many, and commemorative laughter could be heard all throughout Leeman Field.

Relay for Life events are meant to be “emotional experiences,” and are intended to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, recognize their families and/or caregivers, raise money for cancer research, give hope to those in need, and to remember all who have lost their lives to cancer. These noble occasions — made possible by the American Cancer Society and the continuous efforts of community members — are meant to assist and instruct, to provide support and to raise awareness through “research, education, advocacy, and service.”

For all involved in the ongoing fight against cancer, Relay for Life represents “the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated.”

Those who participate and gather in the name of understanding are often the ones who have experienced great loss, suffered through endless amounts of tragedy and have felt the emotional devastation caused by cancer, yet it is their appreciation for life that brings them together.

Judy G. Roberts, Public Relations Representative for the American Cancer Society of Lee County, spoke about the significance of the event and the reasons behind its importance.

“We are here to remember the ones we have lost. We are here to try to prevent other people from going through that, and we celebrate those who have survived,” said Roberts. “The ones who have fought their battles and are still here with us represent victory.”

Lisa DeBusk, Senior Community Manager for the American Cancer Society also spoke about the magnitude of the event and the value of “help and hope.” DeBusk explained that if victims are aware of the assistance that is available to them and come together, then there is always “hope” that progress will continue to be made in the pursuit of finding a cure.

Cancer affects the lives of everyone in a number of ways. Events like Relay for Life are put together simply to bring people together in support of the fight against cancer. Standing up in the names of those lost and paying tribute, these are ways in which people show respect, and they do not allow those who have fallen to die, in a sense. They keep their memories alive. These people unite in the fight against cancer, stand united in the face of devastation, and manage to turn terrible, life-altering situations into positive and uplifting events of hope.

In total, $51,500 was raised at the 2009 Relay for Life of Lee County and a majority of the proceeds will go to support the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society. There are several local services that benefit cancer patients within the community as well, including the Wig Closet and a recently formed Cancer Support Group that meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Friendship Baptist Church outside of Jonesville.

All 2009 Relay for Life participants/contributors would like to express great appreciation for the following:

All local businesses, schools, churches, and the community of Lee County

Boy Scout Troop #394

Girl Scout Troop #409

Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Members of the Media: Heritage TV, WJNV, WSWV, Powell Valley News, Kingsport Times News, Middlesboro Daily News

Mid-Mountain Feed and Seed

Myers Home Center, Inc.

Pennington Gap Maintenance Department

Pepsi of Norton

Terry Britton

Town of Pennington Gap, Virginia

Wilderness Trail Woman’s Club

Sponsors: Regional Cancer Network, Farmers and Miners Bank, Big Outdoor Movies, Old Virginia Log Homes, American Concrete, Lee Bank and Trust, New Peoples Bank, Powell Valley National Bank, Lone Mountain Processing, Inc.

The 2009 Relay for Life of Lee County Planning Committee: Chairwoman Diane Roberts, Co-Chairwoman Angela Turley, Dawn Crabtree, Carmen Harless, Sharon Jerrell, Sandy Newman, Gary Parsons, Deb Rhea, Judy Roberts, Lisa Rutherford, Lisa Stapleton, Margie Travis, Jimmy Woodward

Relay for Life Teams: Black Diamond, Bonding for Life, Cedar Hill Country Club, Circle of Joy, Cops Combating Cancer, DeRhea’s Angels, Fightin’ Farmers, Flatwoods Elementary, Friendship Baptist, Generous Generals, Hornets of Hope, June Bugs, Junkyard Dogs, Lee Bank and Trust, Memories of Mom, New Peoples Hope, Pirates of Dryden, SES Tomcats, Sisters and More, Sweet Life, Taxinators, Wellmont Lee Regional Hospital, Wild Bill’s Warriors

The Relay for Life Survivor Dinner Providers: Breanna Napier, Coca Cola Bottling of Atlanta, First Baptist Church of Jonesville, Food City of Pennington Gap, Joe Jones, Jonesville Lions Club, Junior and Dawn Thomas, Kentucky Fried Chicken of Jonesville, Long John Silvers of Pennington Gap, Major George Gibson DAR Chapter, McDonalds of Pennington Gap, Wilderness Road Dulcimer Club, Wilderness Trail Woman’s Club

Adam Young is a correspondent for the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact him via e-mail at editor@middlesborodailynews.com.