Commentary; Posted: 8/6/03

Relay for Life walks for a cause, cure

By Don Heinzman

Cancer Relays for Life have become the most important fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. In the Twin Cities Area, 30 communities conduct these dramatic relays, which remember survivors and victims of cancer.

Most who participate know someone who has cancer or died from it. According to the research one of every two men and one of three women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer.

Since 1985 when the first relay started, a billion dollars has been raised to finance cancer research, education, advocacy and services. The region of Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota is one of the top money-raisers in the nation.

In this region the top fund-raisers include White Bear Lake, Stillwater, Forest Lake, Apple Valley, Chisago County and Elk River.

This region with 30,000 participants raised $3.9 million last year and is aiming for $4.6 million this year. Some of the funds go to local units who provide help to cancer victims.

The idea is quite simple. Teams pledging $100 or more per member walk around a track all night. Some teams camp all night and make a party of it.

A highlight is the lighting of sponsored luminaries, illuminated white or brown bags, engraved with names of either survivors or victims. These luminaries usually line both sides of the track, a reminder of how important this fund raising is.

The secret to a successful relay is the committee and its chair who must handle all the details, including recruiting teams and obtaining commercial sponsors.

Usually a cancer survivor is the honorary chair, such as an eight-year-old girl from Zumbrota who is surviving ovarian cancer.

Those who attend become tearful watching the Parade of Cancer Survivors of all ages to encouraging applause. Some communities make it a big event when there is music, and other entertainment all night. In the morning, some service clubs serve a complimentary breakfast.

ECM newspapers are proud to promote and cover these Relays for Life, because they fit the mission of promoting causes that make a community and its citizens better.

Communities who have a relay should be commended for continuing this important fund-raiser. Never give it up. Those communities who do not have a relay should plan to start one next year. For information on how to get started call, the Minneapolis office of the American Cancer Society at 507-287-2045.

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