By KELSEY HAMMON

kelsey.hammon@leaderpub.com

For 20 years, the Niles-Buchanan Relay for life has aimed to defeat cancer one step at a time. 

This year, the fight will continue.

The annual Niles-Buchanan Relay for life will kick off at 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday at the Niles High School, 1441 Eagle St. The 14-hour event will include walking in solidarity to stand against cancer, a survivor’s celebration and luminary ceremony.

All proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society, which, in addition to cancer research, helps to fund local programs that benefit those with cancer. Throughout the year, teams who sign up for Relay for Life raise money to support the cause through a variety of outlets from fundraisers to garage sales.

Last year, the event raised approximately $61,000. This year, they are hoping to match that goal, said Kellie Welch, a co-chair of the event.

In addition to the traditional walk, this year’s event will include performances by three live bands. A cancer survivor’s ceremony will start at 5 p.m. A luminary ceremony honoring those who have passed away due to cancer will be at dusk.

Welch has volunteered for Relay for Life since 2008, when a group of friends encouraged her to join the cause. After seeing how the event worked, Welch said she was hooked.

“There is not just one person that I am doing this for,” Welch said. “I was asked to join a team and it grew and [they]became a family to me. I have so many friends and family who have had cancer. It is just so touching to see the support of the community. That has made me want to keep going and find a cure.”

Among those also supporting the cause is Chelsea Hipshear, who was diagnosed with two types of thyroid cancer when she was 16 years old. Throughout her road to recovery, tools from the ACS and support from the community helped her to stay strong, she said.

Hipshear serves the Relay for Life by helping to manage activities and social media.

While providing money for cancer research is one facet of the Relay for Life, the funds also benefit those battling cancer in Berrien County by contributing to programs that help local cancer patients.

Programs like “Look Good Feel Good,” which is offered in St. Joseph, teach cancer patients how to apply makeup, compliant with a changing skin complexion caused by chemotherapy and how to pick out a fitting wig. Still other programs like “Hope’s Lodge” help to supply a room and board near treatment for a cancer patient and “Road to Recovery” help cancer patients get to doctor’s appointments.

“These programs are all paid for by your donation dollars and are provided to cancer patients free of charge,” Hipshear said. 

According to the American Cancer Society, there were 1,007 new cancer diagnoses in Berrien County, in 2016. Of those diagnosed, 390 of those cases were expected to be fatal.

With the community’s help, Hipshear hopes that cancer will one day be nothing more than a line in the history book, she said.

“I believe so strongly in this cause because I have hope,” Hipshear said. “Hope for a world without cancer. Hope that one day cancer will be like Polio, only heard of in history books.”

Those interested in participating in Relay for Life can sign up online or at the event.

For more information visit: cancer.org.