By Lori Ehde
Ten years ago, Don Cashin, Luverne, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That was just two years after his wife, Betty, was treated for uterine cancer.
Looking back, both feel fortunate their cancers were detected early and didn't require invasive chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
As honorary co-chairs of Luverne's first-ever Relay For Life event, the importance of early detection and surgery is the message they hope to bring to area residents.
"I'm glad to be in a position to get this out to people," Betty said Tuesday. "Go in for your checkups, and tell your doctor when your see any strange symptoms. The earlier you catch it, the better off you are."
Relay for Life is the trademark fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. For each event, local cancer survivors are chosen as honorary chairs to serve as spokespeople for the Relay and for cancer awareness.
According to local Relay planner Vicki Baartman, the Cashins were chosen for Luverne's Relay because of their strong local influence.
"They're such well-known people in the community, and the fact that they're a couple and both cancer survivors made them good candidates," Baartman said.
"We really want to involve cancer survivors in this event. We encourage everyone who's a survivor to come and register that night."
Don and Betty are taking their honorary roles seriously and hope to bring cancer awareness to a level everyone understands.
"When you hear it from people on the street, it means more than just reading in the paper, 'Do this, do that,'" Betty said.
As honorary co-chairs, the Cashins have formally spoken to the Rotary Club and will give a brief speech during the Relay For Life event June 15.
In addition, they are members of the First Farmers & Merchants Bank Relay for Life Team and will lead the Survivors' Lap at 7 p.m. on the night of the Relay.
Survivors who aren't sure if they can make it around the track can request wheelchairs or ride on a golf cart.
Don said he and Betty are honored to represent survivors. "There isn't a family in this community that isn't touched by this, and there are so many people in Luverne who are survivors," he said.
Betty said it's important for community members to understand they don't have to be survivors or committee members or even team members to support the cause.
"If you'e interested, let them know and get involved in whatever way you can," she said. "We hope this will be enough of a success that this will become an annual event."
Relay For Life details
The event in Rock County will be staged on the track and field at Luverne High School starting around 5 p.m.
Relay for Life involves teams of runners and walkers competing against each other to raise the most money.
More than 30 teams have signed up for Luverne's event and are now raising money for the American Cancer Society.
Teams of individuals representing corporations, hospitals, neighborhoods and families take turns on the track through the night with at least one team member on the track at a time.
The Relay for Life is now held nationwide, and thousands of people participate each year to help fight cancer.
The event is most noted for its luminaries that glow in memory of individuals who have died from cancer or in honor of those who have survived cancer.
While the Relay and luminaries are the focal point of the event, the field will be filled with local entertainment, food booths and planned activities.
Volunteers are needed to help with any part of the Rock County Relay For Life, from setting up to cleaning up.
To help call co-chairs Vicki Baartman, 283-4119, or Janet Marshall, 283-4192.