Staying up all night and having to endure a particularly warm June weekend didn’t stop hundreds of local people from gathering together at the Decatur County 4-H Fairgrounds for a singular cause.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, themed “Thru The Ages,” kicked off on Saturday, June 27 at 8 a.m., when people from all over the county assembled to stamp out cancer. The Decatur County Relay For Life provided an opportunity for cancer survivors and those whose lives had been affected by the disease in other ways a chance to offer one another support and buoying one another’s spirits.
But the main event was the actual relay, wherein 34 teams vowed to continue walking for 24 hours straight, switching off with one another but always being represented on the track. The relay is one of the ways the American Cancer Society raises money to fund cancer research, prevent the disease, save lives and diminish suffering from cancer through study, education, advocacy and service.
While the walkers spent all day parading around the fairgrounds, guests at the Decatur County Relay For Life were treated to a host of musical groups, including Sound Check, Inner Soul, the Faith Singers, Catfish Davis, Alternative School, Skeeter McGee and TuXX. Visitors were also able to visit the health fair, enjoy a free community meal cooked by the Optimist Club and sponsored by Dilkes Corner Deli and Catering, Klosterman’s Bakery, KB Foods and Moffett’s Aqua Systems. Youngsters got to participate in games while the walkers were treated to free Papa Murphy’s pizza.
“We have 34 teams here today,” ACS representative Stephanie Strouthmann explained at the event. “It’s a definite increase.”
The 2008 Relay For Life had about 20 teams, which helped to raise $50,000 for the American Cancer Society.
At about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Strouthmann said she estimated the preliminary total was about $58,000, which was more than the entire event raised last year.
“Basically, our turnout is phenomenal,” Strouthmann added.
One of the early highlights of the Decatur County Relay For Life was the Fight Back Ceremony, in which cancer survivor Vickie Emberton lead the fight against the disease. She eventually allowed participants to “knock out” cancer by punching a man in armor, who was standing in for the disease.
As it usually does, the evening took a solemn turn during the Luminary Ceremony. Following tradition, families and friends of loved ones who continue to fight cancer, or those who have succumbed to it, are remembered with candles that encircle the Relay For Life event. Each one carried a name or names of someone, serving to raise their memories, honor those who have been victorious in their battle against cancer or support those who are still suffering.
Throngs crowded around the stage when the Luminary Ceremony began before 10 p.m. Saturday night. “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes by a musician who crossed by each luminary. Following the song, the names of individuals and families being remembered or celebrated were read aloud.
On Sunday, when the Decatur County Relay For Life was over, Strouthmann said money was still trickling to help the American Cancer Society. More than $65,000 was raised by the local event.
News
Related Photos
-
Joe Hornaday
Relay Raises Major Funds To Fight Cancer
- News
-
-
Williams addresses Tea Party, fields questions
Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series about a recent Tea Party event in which local candidates Lora Williams and Don Bates appeared, addressing issues and answering questions.
-
Occupants escape without injury
Tuesday night fire in Lake McCoy destroyed the bungalow-style home of three Decatur County residents.
-
Two dead in Tuesday night crash
Two Decatur County residents are dead following a single vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 421 North Tuesday night.
-
DCMH has significant economic impact
Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) began serving the community 90 years ago, on Feb. 4, 1922, and has long been recognized as the leading healthcare provider in the county.
-
Bates addresses Tea Party, fields questions
Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series about a recent Tea Party event in which local candidates Lora Williams and Don Bates appeared, addressing issues and answering questions important to Tea Party voters.
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break
After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
Super Bowl experience was a winner
If praise and adulation put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.
-
DCCF announces grant opportunities
The Board of Directors of the Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) is pleased to announce it will continue a variety of grant opportunities available for 2012 from the unrestricted pool of funds.
-
Meth lab numbers continue to rise
The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section was started in January 2006.
That year, there were 803 meth labs dismantled around the state. -
Daffodil Days program inspires hope
Decatur County residents can fight back against cancer and share hope for those facing the disease by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days.
- More News Headlines
-
Williams addresses Tea Party, fields questions
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
