Bay Relay for Life cancelled for 2012

The Bay Village Relay for Life will not take place this year. According to Evan O'Malley, event chairperson from 2006 through 2009, no one has stepped up to organize and be responsible for this year's event.

Since Jim Cahoon's resignation as chairperson last year, the Relay has been on shaky ground. Efforts to recruit new individuals to chair this event have been unsuccessful. A meeting with local representatives from the American Cancer Society could not resolve any of the Relay's problems.

Members of the Bay High School Philanthropy Fellowship have tentative plans to hold activities on the weekend the Relay would have taken place, with all proceeds to be donated to the American Cancer Society. I commend these dedicated young people for planning this activity. To the members of this organization and its advisers, thank you so much for caring. All proceeds from this group's activities on the weekend will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

An annual event, Relay for Life is a showing of support in communities across the country for the many lost to cancer and for the many survivors of cancer. Money raised from the Relay is donated to cancer research.

How disappointing it is to realize our community cannot rally around to support such a worthwhile cause. There is a need for a chairperson, co-chairperson and a committee to assist in making Bay's Relay for Life a successful event in 2013 and for years to come.

If you have any questions or would like to help out next year, please contact me through the Observer (440-409-0114 or staff@wbvobserver.com). We really need your thoughts and help with this project.

Note: Westlake’s Relay for Life will be held this year on July 13-14 at the Rec Center.