Hocking College nursing instructor and breast cancer survivor Bev Kubachka became involved in the Athens County Relay for Life 15 years ago after losing her husband to cancer. Then she was diagnosed two years later. Kubachka was this year's event chairwoman, after being co-chair for several years.

At the Relay for Life, teams of people from local businesses, schools and other organizations spend 18 hours walking or running on the track - at least one member from each team must be on the track at all times. The teams raise money and awareness for cancer research and money raised benefits the American Cancer Society.

This year's event was held June 22-23 and was the 18th annual Athens County event. This year's goal was to raise $33,000. The event had 18 teams participate - a record for the Athens County Relay.

In addition to helping fund research, the money raised supports programs in the local communities that Kubachka says are huge. "One program provides transportation to treatments and doctors appointments, there is a Look-Good Feel Better program that provides cosmetics and tips on feeling and looking better during and after treatments. There is also help with wigs after chemo & prosthesis after surgery," Kubachka said.

According to Kubachka, a Hocking College student team does much of the work at Relay and helps provide education. She said, "Since the students move through our program quickly, we don't do a lot of fundraising, but we do put items in the auction at Relay. Our biggest fundraiser is the selling of Anthony Thomas candy bars, which can always be found in our lunchroom and my desk!"

Kubachka says the Relay event is a great way to give back and would love to have a Hocking College team. "We have lost several faculty members to this disease and have many survivors.  It would be great for people to have a team representing Hocking College," Kubachka said. Mark your calendar now and plan to get involved in next year's Relay for Life.