RUMFORD – Eight-year-old Abbie Blauvelt of Rumford had a chemo treatment Thursday and went to Hosmer Field on Friday night to march in the Relay for Life cancer walk with 67 others.

Abbie will have her next treatment on her birthday, June 29, said her mother, Tracy Glover, who hopes treatments will end July 3. The survivors’ tent was a bustle of excitement as awards and door prizes were given. The prizes were donated by local businesses.

The Shirley Comeau award for volunteer service was presented to Debbie Dorr who joined the ranks of survivors this year.

The courage award was presented to local teacher Amy Bretton.

Event Chairman Diane Mitchell said there were 16 booths representing 16 teams who would walk in the 18-hour marathon. Mitchell is state lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Each booth had items from plants to crafts for sale. The Canton Cruisers displayed pictures of those in Canton who have died of cancer and those who are survivors.

Hospital bracelets were available for people whose lives had been touched by cancer. The bracelets will be linked together and delivered to U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine to show the many Maine lives that have been touched by cancer and bring awareness to health needs in the state.

The Rev. Linda Kimball delivered the opening prayer, and followed by national antham was sung by Hugh Rowley. A color guard made of firefighters and police officers lead the survivors on the first lap of the relay.

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