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Relay for Life goes indoors for 2025

Connie Jamele, right, struts around the survivor walk with her friend Anthony Hilton. She also won the Relay for Life costume contest. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
September 16, 2025

Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll Away Cancer, the 2025 version of American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Sussex County, was held Sept. 9 in the Georgetown firehouse due to bad weather. But the weather couldn’t hinder the feeling of love of the evening.

It was fun for the entire family, as they could play games and enjoy music. The event also featured a survivor dinner and a luminaria ceremony. 

“Relay for Life of Sussex County went off without a hitch after a last-minute move inside the Georgetown fire station,” said Kathy Blanchette, Relay for Life volunteer chair. “We wanted to err on the side of caution with the weather forecasts of storms and high winds. Paul Williams, from WRDE, our guest speaker, did an amazing job and inspired us all.”

This year’s event featured 15 teams, six more than last year. 

“I want to thank our leadership team and all of the members for everything that they do throughout the year,” Blanchette said. “To date, we have raised $61,266. Our fundraising goal for this year is $72,500. We raise funds through the middle of December, so please consider making a donation. You can go to our website, www.relayforlife.org/sussexcode, to make a donation. Thank you Sussex County for helping us make this a very successful fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.”

 

The Pink Ladies team comprises (l-r) Nicole Stanley, Alison Emerson, Kim Bennett and Lindsey Gordy. The Pink Ladies are employees of the Sussex County government.
Carson Crumb, 7, demonstrates his skill with the Hula Hoop.
WRDE’s Paul Williams speaks at the event.
Relay for Life Marketing Director Rob Smith runs the prize wheel.
TidalHealth staff and friends are (l-r) Holly Adkins, Doreen Steeley, Dineille Lioyd, Paul Sonder, Jeanne Moore, Susie Yeo, Heather Demastus, Angela Daniel, Meredith Phillips-Woodard and Jill Tyler.
Carol Gartman of the Grace Church team participates in the survivor walk.
The Pink Ladies team takes a selfie during the survivor walk.
Kathy Blanchette, Relay for Life volunteer chair, presents an appreciative bouquet to Debbie White, senior development manager in the Northeast Region.
Dorothy Griffin runs a raffle table to raise funds for Relay For Life.
The Comprehensive Financial Solutions team comprises (l-r) Liz Brittingham, Katie Brittingham, Regina Esposito, Bryant Zimmerman and Frank Brittingham.
Kathy Blanchette, Relay for Life volunteer chair, welcomes survivors and their family and friends to the event.
Walking the Grand Club/All-Star lap are (l-r) Kathy Blanchette, Relay for Life volunteer chair; Heather Crouse, co-captain for the Sunshine 4-H team, and her niece Addison Hood.
Walking the survivors’ lap are (l-r) Carmie Blanchette; Kathy Blanchette; Phyllis Masten, an esophageal cancer survivor of six years; and Anthony Blanchette.
Addison Hood, left, and Izzy Lathrop holds the kids’ lap banner during the walk.
Debbie O’Neal sings the national anthem to start the event.
Kathy Blanchette, Relay for Life volunteer chair, honors survivor Dareth Penuel.
Georgetown Vice Mayor Christina Diaz-Malone speaks about her mother’s plight with cancer.
The White Ribbon Club includes (l-r) 12-year-old Katie Nauman, Meghan Hill, Brandy Nauman and 9-year-old Kendall Nauman. The team honors Erica Colegrove, who lost her battle with cancer Aug. 30.
Representing the Redner’s 18-58 team is (l-r) Alicia Ricker, Melissa Lasthrop and Rich Lasthrop.
Performing a song from “Grease” are (l-r) Willow DiMichele, Estelle Edwards, Sofia Rossi, Skylar Jemele, Addison Varney, Sydney Mears and Marley Fyock.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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