Paris, Tenn.–Even without the usual large crowd, this year’s Henry County Relay for Life luminaria event in downtown Paris had the same spirit as other years.
Even after the traditional Relay was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Relay organizers were determined to hold an event for local cancer survivors.
Over 600 luminaria with the names of survivors and caregivers were lined up around the court square and long-time Relay volunteer Joyce Bass read all the names.
David “Tater” Hayes told the survivors and family members gathered on the courthouse lawn, “This is just a set back and next year we’ll have the Survivor Lap and the Survivor Dinner you deserve.” He noted, “Last year, with all the activities we had for Relay, we had 800 luminaria and this year even with the setbacks we have over 600. That’s pretty good.”
T-shirts were designed by Greg Pierce for presentation to survivors.
Top photo: A man and his grandmother look over the names on the luminaria; Joyce Bass helps light up the luminaria set up around the courthouse. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
