AID TOWNSHIP — Hundreds of volunteers, students and citizens gathered in the parking lot at Symmes Valley High School for the seventh annual Relay for Life event.

There were dozens of tents setup around the parking lot. Each tent offered something different. People could participate in a dunk tank where it cost one dollar for three chances to throw a ball, hit the bull’s eye and dunk the person sitting on the platform above the water. Anyone could get their faces painted or buy some food.

All of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society research. During the seven years, the event has raised close to $150,000.

The main attraction was a survivor walk where cancer survivors and their families walked a lap around the parking lot. The Symmes Valley students stood around the parking lot clapping for the survivors as they made their way around the orange cones.

On the second lap, all of the students joined the survivors. Students were carrying signs that said “Hope,” “We believe in Miracles,” and signs showing support for their loved ones.

Before the walk, Jill Greenhill, addressed the crowd in memory of her friend, Toni Black.

“I walked last year in hopes that Toni would survive. That didn’t work out but we made a promise to Toni that she would not be forgotten,” Greenhill said.

Black was a 23-year-old woman who lost her battle with cancer Monday, April 9. A week prior to her death, thousands of people lined the streets in Chesapeake to welcome Black home.

“Cancer is big but our God is bigger,” Greenhill said.

There was a dry erase board thanking individuals and groups for their help. It said the Symmes Valley School District thanks the Ironton Lions Club, Joe Wiseman, David Morris, CJT’s, Stephen Burcham, R & D Giovanni’s, Symmes Valley PTO and parent volunteers, Sam’s Club, Symmes Valley School Board, Les Boggs, Jerry Rowe and Brent Dickess.