NILES – Niles kicked off the Relay for Life season in Trumbull County on Friday at the Ralph Infante Wellness Center.

The 24-hour walk raises money for the American Cancer Society. Five other Trumbull relays will be held in May and June.

Edith Kish, 90, of Bristolville, a two-year breast cancer survivor, led more than 150 others in the survivor lap, which honors those who have survived cancer and remembers those who lost their battle.

Kish – who participated in her first Relay in 2011 – was crowned Relay Queen. Helping to push Kish in her wheelchair around the track was her daughter, Cathy Kish, also of Bristolville.

Bob Brothers of Niles, a 21-year cancer survivor, joined Edith Kish in leading the procession and was crowned Relay King.

For the past six years, 13-year cancer survivor Denise Danielson of Niles and her family and friends have had a team at the Relay to support her and others who have battled cancer.

”It’s amazing all that is done to help those battling cancer. … That’s why we are all here for a common goal. I wanted to do this for others just as others have helped me to be a 13-year survivor,” Danielson said.

Danielson said she completed her last chemotherapy treatment a month ago and her cancer is in remission.

”Without the support from family and friends I could not have gone through all this,” she said.

Danielson’s nephew, Anthony Durso of Niles, who stayed by her side while they walked, said he wanted to be among the 25 people on the team to help his aunt and others.

”It’s all great. I wanted to help her because I know what she has been through fighting cancer,” he said.

Lori DiTunno, Niles Relay co-chair, said this is the fourth year the Niles Relay has been inside the Wellness Center.

She said the teams and public take part in the many activities and games held during the 24 hours.

DiTunno said whether the Relay is in Trumbull, Mahoning or another county, everyone works together to help others.

”It is important for all to work together as one because when we all walk together we are bigger than cancer,” DiTunno said.

J.W. Aleshire, a cancer survivor and event co-chair, said each year’s Relay gets bigger.

”There are so many people out there affected by cancer who want to be a part of this. We want to be a solution and want cancer to be done with,” he said.

Karen Ciminero of Niles, a seven-year cancer survivor, along with her husband, Anthony, provided a meal to all the survivors after they completed the opening lap.

”The camaraderie is what makes it so nice to be here,” Karen Ciminero said.

Rose Capriotti of Niles, who battled cancer seven months ago, was experiencing her first Relay.

”I was at first shocked at all that they do. I feel honored to be here and to be selected to carry the cancer survivor banner,” she said.

The Relay continues until 6 p.m. today.

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