The American Cancer Society held its Relay for Life benefit walk yesterday and last night at the MVRHS track. There were games, cotton candy, food and tents where walkers could rest and share their stories. All day and all night families and friends from every part of the community walked to raise money for the fight against cancer. They were also paying tribute, step by step in solidarity, to all those who have fought, or all still fighting, this disease.  

Jamie Wallace, 34, of Oak Bluffs, attended the relay with his family. He has been dealing with the loss of his mother, who passed away recently. He said that his children give him solace.

“The doctor gave her six months,” Mr. Wallace said. “She lasted five years.”
 
Sue Parchesco, 60, and Kevin Searle, 54, shared their stories of survival. Mr. Searle received his diagnosis in 2010 and had to start going to Falmouth for radiation.
 
“I have a lot of great friends,” he said. “I’ve come a long way.” He is a relay team captain and has been a part of the relay for seven years. He has been cancer-free for three months and is planning a vacation.
 
“I want to go to Key West,” he said.
 
Sue Parchesco was first diagnosed with cancer eight years ago. Her husband took her to the chemotherapy appointments. The cancer spread to other parts of her body. Things looked grim.
 
One day she was at the doctor’s office when her doctor started to cry. Mrs. Parchesco said she knew something good had happened.
 
The doctor told her that she was in remission and cancer-free.
 
For more photos of the Relay for Life walk visit Relay for Life Marches On.