Volunteers Gather To Kick Off Annual Relay For Life Event
Posted
Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
Area residents and local volunteers held a circus-themed kickoff event for this year's Relay For Life Saturday at Baker Youth Club.
Relay for Life is an annual 24-hour event to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.
The kickoff provided an opportunity for leaders to register new teams for this year's relay and to get to know this year's relay committee.Cancer survivor Sue Studebaker, Mentone, spoke to those in attendance about why she gets involved with Relay For Life.
"I relay for people like me, for people like you," Studebaker said.
Studebaker's breast cancer has been in remission for 10 years. She said her battle with cancer left her with a deep appreciation for the challenges and hardships brought on by the disease.
"Cancer is a horrible disease; it touches all of us in one way or another," she said. "When your doctor looks at you and says you have cancer, it's like someone walking up to you and slapping you across the face as hard as they can. Then, you have to go to your family and say, 'I have cancer and I don't know what's going to happen next.'"
Studebaker said the resources available locally made a difference to her and her family.
"Kosciusko County has resources and services to help," she said. "And, we don't need to go somewhere else for treatment."
American Cancer Society Associate Director Tammy Stepien and Kosciusko County Relay For Life Co-Chair Mackenzie Cloutier said making the public aware of those resources is one of their goals during this year's relay.
"One of our goals as a committee this year is not only to have a super relay, but also to get the word out to the community about the services offered by the American Cancer Society in this community," said Cloutier.
"I hate it when people get involved with the relay and then walk away and still don't know our services and things we offer," said Stepien.
Dr. Neal Van Ness, a local surgeon, also spoke. Van Ness said significant strides have been made in recent years toward treatment and curing cancer.
"Without the volunteers, none of this would ever get done," he said. "I thank you for your interest and efforts in fighting this disease. Please keep up your good efforts."
This year's Relay for Life main event is scheduled for June 5-6. Participants register and form teams and raise funds for the American Cancer Society in the months leading up to the main event. At the main event, team members walk around a track, participate in several ceremonies and receive awards. At least one member of each team must be on the track at all times during the event. There will also be a DJ, live bands, late night movies, activities, contests and games.
For more information about the Kosciusko County Relay for Life, or to join or start a team, call 574-257-9789 or visit www.relayforlife.org/kosciuskocountyin
For more information about ACS, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org
