Deb Tisor (left) watches as Angela Freese and Darryl Nicholson light a candle during Saturday’s Relay for Life in downtown Washington. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Washington County’s Relay for Life event was held Saturday and over $66,000 has been raised.

The goal is $80,000 and funds are used for cancer research and patient care through the American Cancer Society. During the opening ceremony Washington Mayor Sandra Johnson spoke of the American Cancer Society’s legacy, “For over 70 years they have been working to solve this issue of cancer. They have invested $4.6 billion in research in these past 70 years. Together we have succeeded in reducing the mortality rate by 25% over the 1991 rate, 25% fewer people are dying. Over 2.7 million less people than had we not had the many, many cures and treatments that have extended and improved the quality of our lives and those of our loved ones.” The mayor also read a proclamation to kick off the event. Washington’s Relay for Life was highlighted by a wedding ceremony with Darryl Nicholson and cancer survivor Angela Freese tying the knot. Donations are still being accepted for the 2017 Washington County goal – click here for more information.