Elkton is planting 'A Garden of Hope'

by Lisa Tome
Contributing editor

    Elkton's commitment to fighting cancer will soon be evident all year round.
    A Garden of Hope is being planted to remind citizens to celebrate those who have beaten the disease, remember those who lost the battle, and fight back with those in the midst of treatment.

    As part of the town's renewed involvement in Relay for Life, a Garden of Hope is being planted. The garden will be in the area of the Elkton Chamber Alliance at North and Main Streets. The town purchased daffodils and other flowers with sales benefitting Relay for Life, which will be planted when the weather permits.
    As a special accent, Ed Dowell, created a special Garden of Hope sign for the area. Dowell, who works for the town Department of Public Works, doing maintenance and mechanical tasks, creates special projects that help spruce up the town.
    Cheyne Hudson is one of the organizers of the town's efforts and team We Are Elkton. Hudson and the team are gearing up for the 20th anniversary of the Elkton Relay which will be held May 20 at Elkton High. The Town and Mayor Rob Alt have challenged other towns to get involved and support the cause.
    Anyone who is interested may join. Each team member raises funds. The team will also work together in group fundraisers such as bake sales. During the relay, they will also have a food concession with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
    Relay for Life mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease.
    Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups - people from all walks of life sharing a common goal. That goal is furthering the American Cancer Society's vision of creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
    Hudson has a personal interest in curing cancer. "My mom had colon cancer. She's been in remission since I was three," said Hudson. Watson has watched two of her grandparents battle cancer.
    Last year, the Town of Elkton's team raised $2,324.25 shattering their goal of $1,000.
    This year, the team hopes to raise $10,000.
    "Hopefully, we can get other towns to jump on the bandwagon," said Hudson.
    Anyone who wants to get involved in Elkton's Relay for Life team may call Cheyne Hudson at (410) 398-0970. You may also search the Relay of Life website for ways to participate.