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Just about everyone either knows someone, or has themselves,
been affected by cancer. It’s one of the most dreaded diseases known to
mankind. Every day we hear about someone being diagnosed with cancer.
The word itself can prompt a gut-wrenching emotional reaction.
With all of the modern technology available to man, one would think a
cue for cancer could be developed. Well here’s your chance to help make
those wonderful wishes a reality.
This Friday evening folks from all over Houston County and beyond will
be converging on Caledonia for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for
Life. The fundraising event, which will be held near Caledonia Area
Elementary School, begins at 6 p.m. and concludes the following
morning around sunrise.
“Celebrate, remember, fight back” is this year’s theme, and promoters
of the event are asking everyone to celebrate the lives of those who
have battled cancer- to remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight
back by donating to help find a cure.
Last year’s Relay for Life brought in $57,000, and event organizers are
shooting for $60,000 this year. As of Friday morning, 31 teams had
signed up to walk all night to raise money for cancer research. This
year’s theme is Mardi Gras, and teams are encouraged to decorate their
campsites, to wear beads and masks, in a festive Mardi Gras look.
Organizers of this year’s event are Glenda Miller, Jane Schiltz, and
Judy Bratland, along with a host of other volunteers, including former
Argus publisher Tom Murphy, who has written some excellent articles on
cancer survivors during the past three weeks to help promote the relay.
Thanks Tom!
Friday evening’s event will begin with a survivors’ reception at 5 p.m.
registration will begin at 4:45 when cancer survivors can pick up their
T-shirts. The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. followed with the
Survivor Lap. Those attending will be treated to the sounds of Margaret
Zieke’s bagpipes, which will be played during the opening ceremony and
firsts lap.
If you’ve never attended a Relay for Life event, you’re really missing
something. Besides the very powerful impact the throngs of cancer
survivors provide with their positive attitudes, the candle-lit
luminaries, which line the walking route, are something to view, as
they burn throughout the night. Luminaries can be purchased for $10 a
piece in memory of loved ones who are cancer victims. It is a very
moving experience walking along the pathway, reading the names of those
being honored.
Kjersten Snell, a 27-year-old cancer victim from Houston will be this
year’s honoree. Her story will be shared Friday evening. You can also
read about Kjersten in this week’s Argus, as Tom Murphy penned an
excellent feature story on her.
There will be plenty of food, as well as entertainment. Pat Kaufmannn
will provide music on keyboard and your’s truly will be singing and
playing harmonica and guitar. Later in the evening folks can enjoy
karoke/DJ entertainment.
Please plan on attending the Relay for Life this Friday night and
Saturday morning in Caledonia. Cheer the walkers on, enjoy some food
and musical entertainment, and above all, support the continuing fight
against cancer with your generous donations.
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As many of you know, Dan McGonigle, who has served as the managing
editor of The Argus for the past nine months, has purchased the Morgan
Messenger newspaper in southwest Minnesota. We wish Dan and best of
luck in his new endeavour, and hope our readers and advertisers will
bear with us as we work through the upcoming transition period.
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