Hope Micklon Named Honorary Chair for This Year's Relay For Life of Salem

January 26, 2014 – Salem, NH

Relay For Life Salem is pleased to announce that Salem's own Hope Micklon has been named the Honorary Chair for the Tenth Relay for Life of Salem, which takes place in June. Hope is a 37-year-old single mother of two young girls who is fighting colon cancer.  Despite many surgeries and continued treatments, Hope remains optimistic and grateful for the support she has received from family, friends and fellow citizens. Needing to take a leave of absence, Hope began her battle without health insurance, which has left her with incredible medical bills and frustration. In between traditional and alternative cancer treatments, Hope keeps busy with her young girls and volunteers at her local non-profits. She was recently accepted into the graduate program at Mid-America Christian University and plans to begin her advanced studies in six months.

Hope said, “Though this journey is not one I planned . . . it is my mountain to climb and people climb them all the time and to succeed! I am the "Hope" for those without hope. I remind others with cancer that this is our journey to win. Life is not over with a cancer diagnosis, life continues with a greater purpose! I want to thank my family, friends and medical professionals for all their love, help and support. No one should go through cancer alone and although many do, together we can help so many simply by coming together for one day and walking to make a difference in the lives of others."

Over the last decade the American Cancer Society (ACS) has worked with Salem’s community to raise awareness about cancer and brought many area citizens together to bring an end to this disease. “Hope Micklon’s strength and determination is an inspiration to all. We are thrilled that she is this year’s honorary chair. If there is anyone that can lead us in fighting the fight, it’s Hope.” said Terri Conroy, Chair of 2014 Relay For Life of Salem Committee. Conroy continued, “We cannot celebrate this tenth anniversary of Relay For Life of Salem without the involvement of the community. Having participated for seven years, and chairing for the last two, it has been my personal experience that having more participants helps to not only make the event a success, but helps raise awareness and camaraderie among community members!  I encourage everyone to attend the Kickoff Celebration to learn more about Relay. We will be rolling out a new format for this milestone event and plan to have more fun while we fight the fight.”

Attend Kickoff to learn how you can help family, friends or fellow citizens to fight back against cancer. Meet Hope. Hear her story. Help her and others write a happy ending to their personal stories.

Relay For Life of Salem Kickoff Celebration

January 29, 2014, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Knights of Columbus, 37 Main Street, Salem

RSVP to Bianka Beaudoin at bianka.beaudoin@cancer.org.