Cancer survivors celebrated

Local cancer survivors were celebrated at the annual Relay for Life Survivor Dinner Monday night. A crowd of more than 300 turned out for the dinner at Southern Hills Church. The evening also included live entertainment and remarks by cancer survivor Delbert Wray.

"I never planned on getting cancer – but I got it," he told the crowd, then recounted his 2015 diagnosis. Wray said he is proud to county himself among the cancer survivors.

He praised caregivers, who pour their heart and soul into caring for loved ones. He urged fellow survivors to reach out to someone who's facing a diagnosis. "We've been there," he said.

See much more of Wray's story in today's Salem Democrat.

This year's Relay will be one day only – Saturday, June 1. It will be in a new location this year. West Washington Schools will host the event.

Superintendent Keith Nance spoke Monday, saying he was very proud to have his school serve as this year's Relay host. He invited survivors, telling them they will be made comfortable with an air-conditioned room available.

This year's Relay will end in a special way, said Nance, who promised a fireworks show.