Chris Ardinger-Chair, Leadership Team

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Hello, as a 2009 graduate of James Buchanan High School I am very pleased to be working with the current students of JBHS, as well as the other great people on this leadership team. When I started Relay for Life in 2009, I never imagined that it would continue on, and that the community would be so supportive. The community, as well as Tuscarora School District Board, Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students have been amazing. I believe that Relay for Life is very important in our community, and everyone has done a great job of celebrating our survivors, remembering those who have lost the fight, and fighting back against cancer. We really don't have our own way to fight back against cancer in Mercersburg, and with this Relay we can do that. It is also my pleasure to be holding the Jim Houck Memorial Events in conjunction with Relay, Jim was a great man, and we are happy to have this event in his memory. My personal story with cancer is one of personal sorrow to me, when I was 12 years old I lost my grandfather to Pancreatic cancer. My grandfather was a great inspiration to me, I want to make sure that no one else has to go through that same pain that my, as well as many other families had to suffer through. 

Jason Cornell-Leadership Team

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My name is Jason Cornell and I am a graduate of James Buchanan High School from the Class of 2009.  I have lived in the Tuscarora School District all of my life so I take community events within the district very seriously.  When the Mercersburg Relay for Life was started my senior year of high school,  I wanted to do my part to help Chris and his committee because I have lost close friends to cancer in my short lifetime so far.  The first year I managed the sound and electrical resources in Rocket Stadium.  This past year I helped Chris manage the Relay in general as well as co-chaired the Jim Houck Memorial Bike Ride and Pancake Breakfast.  Now as we are approaching the 3rd year of the event, the new sound system, in conjunction with the beautiful track, should foster a terrific environment for this student-run event to be successful once again.

Patti Bethel-Leadership Team

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After my battle against cancer, I needed an outlet for my emotions; I felt relief for surviving but I also felt guilty because many of my fellow patients were fighting tougher battles than I and probably wouldn’t live much longer. The hopelessness, the pain, the sadness – it touched me deeply. Relay for Life is my outlet and my passion. Being a part of something bigger than me, contributing to a valuable crusade, honoring all of those who, like me, battled and won, or battled but lost – it all makes Relay one of the most humbling, inspiring events you will witness. Many family members and friends have gone on before me and I walk for them. I walk to remember them, to commit to living a better, healthier life, to bring attention to the cause and to rally the young people of the next generation so that they may not have these hardships during their lifetimes. Please join us next spring, walk alongside us, share a story or just make a pledge to make a change. Together, we’ll find that cure.

Stacey Curley-Leadership Team

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Hello, I am Mrs. Curley from James Buchanan High School.  I joined the team at the high school because I have seen more of my family struggle with the battle of cancer than anyone should ever have to.  At age 5, I sat by my grandfather's bed every afternoon taking care of him for a couple hours after school.  I then have struggled through my uncle and aunt both passing away from cancer.  My husband's grandfather passed away two years ago from lung cancer.  We helped to care for him and transport him to and from his treatments.   The latest battle was with my mother.  She had to have several spots of skin cancer removed this last summer.  I personally feel that cancer is all around us and we need to work to find a cure.  My participation in this organization is to help guide the students through the process and let them know all the different roadblocks that people have to make it through.  

Trevor Williams-Relay for Life Co-Chair

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Hi, I'm Trevor Williams, co-chairperson of the Mercersburg Relay for life.  I got involved in the Relay becaue it has affected me and my family.  My great-grandmother had cancer.  It was a tough battle but the cancer won.  I'm here to help the relay find a cure and help deliver hope to all people suffering through this. Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.