Yorktown’s Relay For Life shines with hope

Sophia Caselnova, Kellie Slater and Rebecca Lap welcome visitors and participants during the annual fundraiser supporting the fight against cancer.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Members of the concession team “Mickey’s Magic Makers” gather at the 2026 Relay for Life fundraiser. From left are Denise and Jim Poulin, John Bell and Pam and Devyn Binetti.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

A luminaria is dedicated to Liz Talbert, the 2026 Relay for Life survivor honoree.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Participants walk a lap illuminated by luminaria bags during the evening ceremony, carrying glow sticks in honor of loved ones affected by cancer.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Survivor honoree Liz Talbert and her husband, Matt Talbert, lead the opening lap of the 2026 Relay For Life fundraiser.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Luminaria bags line the track in honor of friends and loved ones impacted by cancer.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Survivor honoree Liz Talbert shares her personal cancer journey and advocates for continued fundraising efforts at the 2026 Relay for Life.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Ahead of the luminaria ceremony, Denise Poulin shares a moving poem depicting the realities of losing a loved one to cancer.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Raffle prizes are available to participants at the 2026 Relay for Life fundraiser.

Photo: Ava Paciariello

Goldfish Swim School table at Yorktown’s 2026 Relay For Life fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Slater

Yorktown Police Sgt. Thomas Beyrer and his K-9 partner, Dallas.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Slater

YMCA table at Yorktown’s 2026 Relay For Life fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Slater

Daughters of the American Revolution table at Yorktown’s 2026 Relay for Life fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Slater

Relay For Life brought hundreds together May 29 and served as a reminder of what community truly means, honoring friends, family members and loved ones impacted by cancer.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Slater

Dancers shine for the crowd.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Slater

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Relay For Life brought hundreds together Friday and served as a reminder of what community truly means, honoring friends, family members and loved ones impacted by cancer.

Liz Talbert, this year’s survivor honoree, delivered a moving speech about her journey and stressed the importance of annual screenings. She also spoke about how her experience changed her perspective on life.

“Cancer is not a gift,” Talbert said.  “The fear, the pain, and the uncertainty are real. But it changes your perspective—it reminds you that life is never guaranteed.”  

Thanks to an outstanding turnout, organizers reported raising $40,000 as of 9 p.m. on event day. Fundraisers hope to continue increasing that total in the years ahead.