Cancer Survivors

Thumbs up To all of the people in the area who participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. It lets cancer survivors know people are thinking about them and gives families who have lost loved ones a chance to honor them. Thumbs down Week No. 2 for the terrible condition of the railroad crossings next to the old Park Circle restaurant near City Park in Hagerstown. We are urging city officials and residents to pressure CSX, which is responsible for the crossing, according to the city, to fix it. Again, it doesn't make sense to have such a terrible patch of road next to one of Hagerstown's top recreational destinations.

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - The American Cancer Society of Jefferson County will hold its Relay For Life Friday and Saturday at Jefferson High School's Cougar Stadium. A survivors lap and the luminaria ceremony will be held Friday. On Friday, at 7 p.m., cancer survivors from the area are invited to walk the first lap of the relay to celebrate their victory over cancer. The walk will be held at Cougar Stadium. There is no cost to participate; however, cancer survivors should contact Susie Mechanick, survivor activity chair, at 304-876-3518 to register.

Murder defendant shot at City Hospital Man charged in cow's deaths violates probation Cancer survivors and their supporters join Relay for Life Police: Self-inflicted injury preceded shooting at hospital Fatal train accident probe could take weeks

HAGERSTOWN -- They hunkered under a tarp, seeking shelter from the pouring rain. It was 7:30 a.m. Most everyone at the closing ceremony for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Washington County had been at Fairgrounds Park for 12 hours or more. They were soggy and sleepy-eyed, but they remained focused on the task at hand -- celebrating the lives of cancer survivors; remembering those who succumbed to disease; and fighting back through advocacy, education and the common conviction that cancer someday will be eliminated.

HAGERSTOWN -- Some people strolled through the survivors lap Friday at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Some struggled. Their pace varied, but their personal journeys through cancer gave them much in common. They smiled about the successful battles and got choked up over the losses they have known. This is the 25th year of Relay For Life, a national overnight event for raising money and bonding. It was commemorated locally in Hagerstown's Fairgrounds Park. "It's a lot of emotion," said Bernard Keating, who lives near Hagerstown.

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Caleb Hawbaker of Hancock and Asher Hopkins of Leitersburg have never met, but this weekend's Relay for Life of Washington County will bring the two together for the first time. Each boy has battled Wilms' Tumor, the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, and each had checkups this week that showed they remain cancer-free. Julie Hawbaker, Caleb's mother, learned of Asher's experience through her homeschooling support network. Hawbaker called Maria Hopkins, Asher's mother, who proved to be a lifeline because 6-year-old Asher already had gone through treatment.

Holly Place still needs the community's help To the editor: So close to the goal, but not there yet. Holly Place supporters raised more than $145,700 this past year and protected the vulnerable elderly residents by continuing to provide them with vital and loving care. The goal was $165,000 to carry the organization through its fiscal year, which ends June 30. The community rallied and our thanks are profound. We almost hate to ask for more, but with the stakes being what they are, we are asking for help with the balance and a little to start the new fiscal year.

WILLIAMSPORT -- A six-year cancer survivor, Phil Hendrick of Hancock was enjoying the weather and the company of other survivors Sunday at the 21st annual Celebration of Life picnic. Hendrick was also celebrating his own good fortune at how he came to be diagnosed with the disease. "I slipped on a ladder and hit my side," Hendrick said. When he finally went to the doctor about the fall, the cancer was discovered. Hendrick's cancer was treated with radiation and he is now free of the disease.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. -- The Mercersburg community will hold its first American Cancer Society Relay for Life on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23. The opening ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on May 22. To start things off, there will be a lap dedicated to survivors followed by a team lap. At 9:30 p.m., a luminaria service will remember those lost and those currently fighting cancer; luminarias will be available for a donation of $5. At midnight will...