Posted: 7/24/02

FL Relay for Life nears start

Branden Peterson
Staff Writer

At this time last year, Blair and Nancy Ferguson hoped and prayed they would see their daughter Tiffany walk in this yearís Survivor Walk at the Relay for Life in Forest Lake, August 2-3.

Tragically for Tiffany, she lost a courageous battle with leukemia last December.

ìThe most difficult thing this year for us will be the survivor walk.î Blair Ferguson said. ìWe really believed Tiffany would be walking in it this time last year.î

Approached by the Relay to speak of his familyís experience with Tiffanyís battle, Blair Ferguson, 35, will be the keynote speaker at this yearís Relay for Life in Forest Lake.

Fergusonís speech plans to send a message placing importance on values, faith, and first-hand experience dealing with tragedy and support from the community.

Only 15-years-old at the time of her passing, Tiffany was diagnosed with leukemia in May of 2001. Even more tragic, this will be the first year since the Relayís inception in 1994 that she wonít be attending the event.

Although Tiffany wonít be physically present at his yearís Relay, sheís far from forgotten.

Three Relay for Life teams have ties to Tiffany: Tiffanyís Tiggers 1 and 2, and Fergieís Friends.

Tiffanyís Tiggers is made of family and friends, while Fergieís Friends is comprised of former classmates from North Metro Academy a chapter school in Forest Lake.

Blair Ferguson hopes he can spread the message that uses Tiffanyís story as motivation to continue supporting the Relay for Life and the need to find a cure for cancer.

As a former paramedic, Blair saw many people deal with tragedy, but it wasnít until misfortune hit his family did he realize how easy it is for a family to be turned upside-down.

ìThereís some points I think people need to be aware of.î Ferguson admits. ìThey need to make sure theyíre ready in case something like this happens.î

Relay lives on

With over 600 participants expected in this yearís Relay for Life scheduled at the Forest Lake High School track, August 2-3, from 6 p.m.- 6 a.m.

The 2001 Relay for Life raised $111,000 for the American Cancer Society. The goal for this yearís event is at $120, 000 and hopes to be the largest Relay for Life ever in Forest Lake.

Silent Auction

A silent auction will take place once again from 6-8 p.m. at the Relay for Life.

Over 200 items will be included in this yearís auction. The event raised $4,600 in last yearís Relay.

Items to be auctioned include gift certificates for hotels, restaurants, golf courses, baskets from registered teams and outside organizations, and many items from Northern Wholesale Supply, including wet suits, knee boards, zip ski tubes, Minnkota trolling motor, life jackets. Timmís Marina offers a 4-hour rental of a pontoon up for bidding as well.

Residents are openly invited to attend the event, listen to music, talk with participants, bid on silent auction items, and join in the festivities throughout the evening.

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