Harrison Thorp 11:30 a.m. ONLY IN THE VOICE
Sunday, June 22, 2025 11:36 am
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ROCHESTER - The co-chair of the Relay for Life of Strafford County told cancer survivors and their caregivers on Saturday that the American Cancer Society was making great strides in battling the scourge of cancer, and that they were a beacon of hope for all who have dealt with the deadly disease.
Moments later hundreds began the 12-hour Relay for Life at Hugo Bolin Field outside Spaulding High School to celebrate the event's 25th anniversary with an eye to raise more than $75,000 for cancer research and treatment.
"We share a passion to save lives and support those facing cancer," said Sarah Scheffer, co-chair of the event. "This brings our community together with purpose, love, and hope. Every step we take on the track helps create a future without cancer."
Among the huge crowd of walkers was 65-year-old Becky Hyde of Rochester, who knows all too well the toll it takes on people of all walks of life.
Hyde has had three scares with cancer, including cervical cancer in 1991, and colon cancer in 2008 and then again last March, which she thought might be the end of her.
"March was the scariest," she said. 'I didn't think I'd survive; I was scared they didn't get it all out."
But they did, and Hyde walked the track on Saturday with a steady and resolute step.
For those who are battling cancer she offered advice from an abundance of wisdom and experience.
"If you're diagnosed with cancer, stay strong, keep fighting," she declared, adding it's also crucial that you "keep up with your doctors," when it comes to treatment and testing down the road.
Meanwhile. Scheffer said that last year the Strafford County Relay for Life raised more than $75,000 for the American Cancer Society's mission, and they hoped to eclipse that goal on Saturday.
Linda Corriveau, a member of the event leadership team, said she was thrilled with the outpouring of support.
"Every year the event is getting bigger and bigger," she said. "We've got a lot more sponsors this year, too."
She said the event is all about "sharing, connecting and honoring those we lost, and also the strides we've made.
To donate visit relayforlife.org/straffordNH.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.