On Saturday, Sept. 24, the community came out in force once again in support of local cancer survivors, raising money and awareness to go back to the local community to help those fighting.

Speaking this year was Oneida resident and stage four metastatic breast cancer survivor Karen Searl.

"I've been battling stage four metastatic breast cancer for four years and I'll never be cured. But I [fight] because I love my family and I really want to be around for a long time," Searl said, tearing up. "Four and half years ago, I was given six months to live. It's hard, but people like Jessica's Heroes are needed. It's a big part of our lives."

Participating in the first every Jessica's Hope Lap was Lainey Riggall, of Sherrill. Lainey was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor in February. She and other cancer survivors walked the lap, cheered on by the community.

For more information on Jessica’s Heroes or to find resources, visit: https://jessicasheroesfoundation.com/

To support Lainey Riggall, visit the Group "Lainey's Fight Club" on Facebook.