Cancer survivors and caregivers take a victory lap prior to the walk.

WARSAW — Several hundred people were on hand at noon on Saturday, June 8, for the kick-off of the 11-hour event 2019 Relay for Life at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds.

Brian Spangle, one of the event’s organizers, said he was thankful for the cooperation the weather was giving at the start of the open ceremonies.

“At the beginning of the week, I was a little nervous,” he said.

Spangle said events such as this are designed to help with the indirect costs of cancer, such as wigs for patients who’ve lost their hair, rides to treatment and other financial stressers.

“The primary goal is to be an asset to the American Cancer Society so they don’t have to do that (pay those costs),” Spangle said.

Shawna Van Lue talked to the participants prior to the begin of the relay.

“When you come to Relay For Life, you join Kosciusko County in helping the American Cancer Society save lives and finish the fight against cancer,” she said. “The mission of the American Cancer Society is still alive right here in Kosciusko County.”

According to Spangle, 180 items were donated for the event’s silent auction and 26 teams were signed up to walk. During the 11-hour walk, each team is required to have at least one team member on the track at any given time.

“People think cancer doesn’t impact their lives,” said Spangle. “Everybody is impacted.”

Shawna Van Lue addresses the participants prior to the relay.