Ohio County Relay For Life Celebrates 15 Years Cancer-Free

Sam Coleman stood at the front of the line Friday night, gripping a "Survivor" banner as she prepared to lead the first laps at Ohio County's Relay For Life. Behind her walked fellow cancer survivors, each one a living testament to hope, research, and the power of community support.

Coleman has been cancer-free for 15 years after battling kidney cancer. The support she received during treatment stays with her today.

"My cousin came and stayed with me for two weeks and took care of me," she said. Her nephew drove her to Cleveland for appointments, her siblings helped with daily tasks, and through it all, she never lost faith she'd recover.

Friday's event at Bethlehem Community Park honored cancer survivors and current patients while raising money for cancer research. The tradition started in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked for 24 hours in Tacoma, Washington, and communities nationwide have joined the mission ever since.

Sarah Martin, the event lead, said Ohio County's Relay may be smaller than others, but it packs an emotional punch. One volunteer who attends Relays across West Virginia told her this one was his favorite because it feels personal.

"That's what we want it to be, personal, so the survivors know we care about them," Martin said. The evening featured craft tables, basket raffles, and food sales, with every dollar raised going toward cancer research.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the money raised or the laps walked. It's Coleman showing up with her entire family around her, ready to give back the kind of support that saved her life. She knows firsthand that cancer treatment isn't just about medicine. It's about the cousin who stays two weeks, the nephew who drives you to appointments, the siblings who show up when you need them most.

Now she's paying it forward, raising money so strangers can get the help they need. That's the beautiful cycle of community care: receiving support when you're down, then standing up to support others when you're strong again.

Coleman's message is simple but powerful: "It's nice to be able to give back, because I had a lot of help." Her 15 years cancer-free aren't just a personal victory; they're proof that research works, that support matters, and that every dollar raised at events like this creates more survivors who'll one day lead their own victory laps.