County residents 'shine light' on cancer

As the children's hymn goes, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine," citizens of Bedford County let their inner light shine bright in the fight against cancer Saturday night.

The American Cancer Society kicked off the new year for Bedford County's Relay For Life at the Courthouse grounds.

Despite bitterly cold winds, Bedford County residents came out to lend their support to the organization.

Sisters Samantha Chamblee and Wendy Stacy, whose mother passed away from the disease in November 2005, hosted the kickoff ceremony. They were joined by Harriet Stewart of the ACS, as well as guest speakers.

The Rev. Jack Carney began the ceremony with a prayer while Stewart introduced Chamblee and Stacy afterwards.

"During May 2009, Relay For Life will reach the milestone of 25 years of community presence and action in the fight against cancer ... our community's Relay For Life events began in 1999, raising $7,373, and last year we were the first county in our district to gross over $100,000," Chamblee said.

"Since Relay For Life began in Bedford County, we have raised almost half a million dollars. Now, with the economy in a downslide, these cancer patients need our help more than ever," Stacy said.

The Relay For Life movement is to eliminate cancer and raise awareness of the disease that takes so many lives each year.

"We are here to celebrate cancer survivors and their supporters, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against this disease that takes too much," said Stacy.

Cancer survivors Ronnie Wells, Pat Peller, and Jack Carney each delivered a speech on their experiences fighting cancer.

Stacy and Chamblee then asked any cancer survivors present to step forward onto the stairs of the courthouse so everyone could celebrate them as honored guests as the song 'Hero' was played.

Luminaria bags lined the sidewalk of the courthouse, and each bag represented one person in Bedford County that is estimated to be diagnosed with cancer this year -- a total of 154 bags.

"We as a community need to come together and share our hope," said Chamblee.

Chamblee and Stacy's sister, Tammy Kelton, came forward and spoke of their mother's fight with cancer in an emotional speech.

Wells, Peller, Carney and Kelton joined Chamblee and Stacy in "lighting up the community."

Lauren Clanton sang "This Little Light of Mine" for the crowd as everyone lit candles and shone flashlights to let their light of hope shine brightly.

This year's American Cancer Society Relay For Life will be held at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center from noon May 29 until 6 a.m. May 30; the community is encouraged to keep an eye out for announcements of related fundraisers.