Joyce Graves is a three-time cancer survivor. She and her husband Paul, have together faced cancer five times.
Graves says Relay for Life is her passion and the Luminaria event is her particular focus.
“We have a luminaria ceremony at every relay,” Graves explained to the Sun. “This year we decided to hold it in four different areas.”
Usually there is a speaker of a poem and people walk around and then sing “Amazing Grace.” This is the quiet period before a very lively relay.
Graves said she started on the Relay for Life committee 22 years ago. Her second year she worked as co-event chair. Then she became the chair person and now is co-event chair again.
In past years the Relay raised between $75,000 and $95,000, but this year the financial goal is a little more modest, $50,000.
Funds go to the American Cancer Society. At the same time, they benefit the Gallup community in several areas including research and education, lobbying for legislation to help cancer victims, survivors and families, and to provide services to benefit people dealing with cancer.
The Luminaria is being held in June, July, and August as well as at the September Relay.
The dates are currently listed as June 19 from 8:30 pm-9:30 pm in the 400 block of Logan; July 17 in the Indian Hills neighborhood; August 21 — that site is still under consideration; and September 17 at the County Courthouse Square.
By Beth Blakeman
Managing Editor
