N.O.W. Relay for Life set June 24 in Dewey

The 20th anniversary celebration of Relay for Life of N.O.W. (Nowata, Osage and Washington counties) will be held on Friday, June 24, at Dewey High School stadium.

Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. and the event will go on until 2 a.m. Saturday. Activities include caregivers, survivors, and team laps, live auction, fundraising awards, luminaria ceremony, games, and fight back ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

Lee Ann McDougan will be the keynote speaker. Lee Ann developed breast cancer in 1986 when she was 28. She was the first in her family to get cancer and her prognosis was grave. Due to extensive surgery, aggressive treatment and two children (ages 3-1/2 and 1-1/2) who kept her somewhat sane, she’s been cancer free for 30 years.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to participate. Those in the community who have battled or are still battling cancer are encouraged to contact Linda Wickham at 918-273- 8044 or email her at lindawickham1954@yahoo.com to register for the event. Onsite registration begins at 5 p.m. the night of Relay. Each survivor will receive a free event t-shirt and will be honored during the event. Each registered survivor is encouraged to bring a caregiver.

After dark at the event, a Luminary Ceremony is held where candles are lit in remembrance of those who have lost their battle with cancer and in honor of survivors.

Visit www.relayforlife.org/washingtoncookrelayforlife.org to learn more about the event. You may also call the American Cancer Society office at 918- 477-5418 or email Erin Cole at erin.e.cole@cancer.org about the event.