Quaker Valley Relay for Life Draws Support

A number of supporters and survivors joined Saturday in the fight against cancer as part of the ninth annual Quaker Valley Relay For Life. 

Eleven teams and more than 70 participants joined the relay, taking steps toward a cure on the Quaker Valley High School track in Leetsdale. 

The event was dedicated to Sewickley resident Dawn Patterson, who died in April after battling a rare form of cancer.

Participants spent the day and night walking the track as a reminder that cancer never sleeps.  The Relay was to continue throughout the night and conclude at 8 a.m. Sunday. 

The event, which supports the American Cancer Society, included a survivor's lap and the lighting of the luminaria bags and candles dedicated to those who have battled or are currently battling cancer.

Barbara Cooley Thaw, chairwoman, thanked several businesses, groups and individuals, including the Sewickley Confectionery, the Girl Scouts, Quaker Valley, Leetsdale, Mega Bus, Lenzner, and all those who helped with Touch-a-Truck, and Wick Landscaping for providing sand for luminaries.

Cooley Thaw also thanked the committee of volunteers who have worked behind the scenes.

"We have a great committee, very dedicated," she said.

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