Joe Hornaday
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.
