HORSE RIDE …These two youngsters take a ride on the furry overstuffed animal carts at the Williams County Relay For Life event.
SURVIVOR LAP … A Survivor, Caregiver, and Teams Lap took place following the opening ceremonies Friday night at the Williams County Relay For Life at the Williams County Courthouse square.
SURVIVOR OF THE YEAR … Shelly Cook (middle), pictured here with her family, was selected as the Survivor of the Year during opening ceremonies Friday night in the Williams County Relay For Life event. From left, Amy Beard, Madison Dietz, Shelly Cook, Penny Cook, and Jackson Cook.
PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WELCOME … Alli Schmitz, senior development manager of the American Cancer Society of Northwest Ohio, addresses the crowd during the opening ceremonies of the Williams County Relay For Life on Friday night.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
“Knock Cancer Off The Board” was the theme for the 2025 Williams County Relay for Life held on Friday, September 19, at the Williams County Courthouse square.
This annual event honored those who have survived and those who, unfortunately, lost their lives to cancer.
There were many cancer survivors who took part in the Relay for Life activities after having conquered the disease, while there were others in attendance who are currently going through their own personal battle in becoming a cancer survivor.
All of the proceeds from the Relay for Life event go towards the Williams County American Cancer Society to help the local cancer support programs.
“Every dollar raised enabled us to invest in research and support for everyone affected by cancer,” said Alli Schmitz, who is the senior development manager of the American Cancer Society of Northwest Ohio, in her opening ceremony remarks.
She also pointed out this year’s event is a “beacon of hope” for those who are currently battling this disease.
“For 40 years, the entire community needed to take action, but the journey isn’t over,” said Schmitz. “Every 15 seconds, someone hears the words, ‘you have cancer.
“Together, we have raised over $609 billion since Relay for Life began and have contributed to save over 4.1 million lives through research and support.”
Last year alone, the American Cancer Society of Northwest Ohio supported more than 30,000 survivors and has had an impact over the years.
This year’s Relay for Life event featured food, games, entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction, along with a Luminaria Ceremony in memory of those who had lost their battle to cancer.
“I think it’s incredibly important to survivors between Williams – and we kind of combined with Fulton County this year too,” commented Schmitz.
“So, between those two county survivors coming together, it brings a sense of community, just some awareness of the American Cancer Society programs and services that we offer. It’s just a night to celebrate and fight back against the disease.”
This year’s event also recognized Shelly Cook of Bryan, who was honored as the survivor of the year.
Cook, who is currently battling colorectal and ovarian cancer, which was initially diagnosed in February 2024, is making progress towards a successful recovery from the disease.
“I’m just fighting one day at a time, just trying to keep going,” said Cook. “I live with my mom, so we kind of take care of each other. Then my sisters come and help me out. My younger sister takes me to a lot of my treatments in Defiance or Perrysburg.”
The importance of having a support group is essential for Cook. “I don’t think if I had them, I would be really depressed more than normal,” she admitted. “I’m glad they all come and help give mom a break.
“Everybody’s got to have a good support system going through something like this, or I could see depression coming in. I try not to go “why me,” and I kind of really said that once. It’s like you got a plan, so I’m not sure what it is.”
She has paused her treatments for now to get her teeth fixed from the effects of chemotherapy.
“This journey has taught me to find joy in the small moments,” said Cook. “Whether it’s laughing with loved ones, enjoying music and food, or simply having the strength to drive around town again. I am still fighting, still standing, and still hopeful.”
Williams County Relay for Life volunteer chairperson Angela Hillard was pleased to see the support the community gives them and for them to feel strong and empowered when they come out and get to show off in front of everybody. “The most part of this night is the awareness,” said Hillard.
John Cupps, who served as co-chairman for the Williams County Relay for Life, described the importance of the annual fundraising event.
“It shows that they have the strength and courage to battle this horrible disease and to fight to help end cancer as we know it,” pointed out Cupps.
“Treatments have changed even over the past ten years. They have proved so much, and it extended people’s lives much longer than even ten or fifteen years ago.”
Cupps also stressed the importance of getting cancer screening checkups.
“It’s very important,” said Cupps. “People need to get their screenings done when it’s required or suggested. Because the earlier you can catch cancer, the better it is. Unfortunately, if you don’t screen early, it may surprise you later.”