Cancer survivors, their families, and loved ones got some extra recognition Saturday at the annual Relay for Life.


For forty years, the Relay for Life has raised funds for cancer research and services, and for the past 32 years, Erie has been a part of it
Bobby Cherry, the Volunteer Communication Lead for Erie County explained, "We are celebrating that there is hope for the future through the money raised here from today through research and programs and services for cancer patients in our community and throughout the country."


The money raised helps helps patients around the world and here at home. "Through the Road to Recovery Program that we have had, more than 200 rides for treatment in 2023 and 2024. Hope Lodge is a program where cancer patients can go to facilities through the country and stay in our Hope Lodge program", said Cherry.


The event began with the survivors loop honoring those who won the battle against cancer. Carly Brigaman, Mrs. Pennsylvania and a Member of the Erie Chapter Relay for Life said, "I've only been publicly recognizing myself as a survivor because my journey was not the typical one that everyone thinks of and for a long time I didn't think I was honored or should have that title since I didn't go through the iv chemo, or radiation, but my journey is different."


Brigaman said not every story is the exact same, they are all unique, but they all are tied by the same thread, making it through cancer. She said not only is she a survivor, but she's walking for parents, grandparents, and friends who didn't win their battles.


"Everyone journey is different but it doesn't take away from that. So if when you get to hear 'hey you have cancer', it does not take away from what you have gone through. It is your journey, everyone is here to be recognized and celebrated and for those who can't walk with us anymore we are here to honor those", said Brigaman.

The theme for this year's was "Relay Like it's 1985", celebrating 40 years of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.