BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/STAFF WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

SMITHFIELD—Windsor High School art teacher Lois West hasn’t let cancer stop her from working and enjoying life. She recently had surgery to remove much of the disease from her breasts, and chemotherapy is her next weapon in the battle.

“I’m still in the fight,” West said, adding without hesitation, “I’ll be OK.”

During the Isle of Wight-Surry Relay For Life event in Smithfield, she was surrounded by family, students and friends, including Sumner Bradshaw of Sedley, who was once one of her art students. Today he teaches art at Franklin High School. Bradshaw said he came to support West by walking with her around the track.

The 11-hour program, which included many other activities, took place behind Smithfield High and Middle schools.

Racquel Doherty of Windsor High designed the bright-pink T-shirts worn by the WHS Betas for Life. She included the names of West and math teacher Ray McDonald, who’s also fighting cancer.

Doherty and other students such Kaya Eanes, Ryan Boals and Siobhan Doherty held games as additional fundraisers.

On the opposite end of the field, the Windsor Hornets sold tempting-looking candy to generate money and give walkers an extra energy boost.

Before last weekend’s event, the 55 teams in the IOW-Surry group had raised approximately $117,429.44. All this and more will be sent to the American Cancer Society. Fundraising continues through Aug. 31, so teams and individuals are being encouraged to continue fundraising. The target amount is $210,000 this year.