BUCKHANNON – Are you ready to Relay?

Upshur County Relay for Life of 2019 will take place Saturday, July 20, from 4-11 p.m. in Jawbone Park, but the Upshur County Commission is designating more than one day in honor of the American Cancer Society’s and Upshur County Relay for Life’s efforts to work toward a cure for cancer.

Relay for Life also endeavors to celebrate cancer survivors and those who have died of all forms of the widespread disease.

On Thursday, the commission declared July 15-20 Relay for Life Days.

Senior community development manager for American Society Relay for Life Mike Alkire appeared at Thursday’s commission meeting with the proclamation.

“The American society Relay for Life movement brings together 4 million people at Relay for Life events worldwide to show their determination and commitment to help free the world from pain and suffering and cancer,” Alkire said.

He said in 2019, more than 1.6 million people will be newly diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.

“Cancer continues to touch the lives of so many,” Alkire said. “In 2019, more than 1.6 million people will be newly diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. Whereas, thanks to fundraising through Relay for Life movement, the American Cancer Society’s able to invest in cancer research, provide free information and support for people facing the disease today and educate people about how to reduce the risk of cancer by detecting it early when it’s easiest to treat, leading to a 23 percent decline in cancer death rates since 1991.”

Commissioners signed off on a second proclamation during Thursday’s meeting – this one recognizing the Buckhannon-Upshur High School class of 1979’s 40th reunion, which is being organized by class members Elissa Mills and Linda Lee White.

“Members of the Buckhannon Upshur High School 1979 graduating class plan to gather on June 28, and 29, to celebrate their 40th class reunion, “Mills said. “Members of the Class of 1979 who live in Upshur county will be joined by fellow classmates from around the country who have made a special effort to be part of the celebration.”

She said the event will be an opportunity for classmates to see each other again and reminisce.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the county commission hereby recognizes the 40-year reunion of the Buckhannon-Upshur High School Class 1979, and congratulates members of the class for reaching a special milestone in their lives,” Mills read.