More than 100 cancer survivors kick off the 2002 Relay for Life in Luverne by completing the Survivor Lap Friday night at the Luverne High School track.
By Lori Ehde
Theresa Graff has been cancer-free for eight years, and for her and her family, Friday's Relay for Life was a celebration of survival.
Chuck Ebert and his family, on the other hand, were dealt a different hand. He was diagnosed last summer with a brain tumor and died Friday morning, just hours before local Relay for Life activities began.
"It really brought home the fact that we need to do research to find a cure for cancer," said Relay for Life co-chair Nancy Kaczrowski. "It put into perspective why we were all up at the football field together."
Some of Ebert's family members attended Relay For Life activities that evening on the Luverne High School track. "I gave them a hug, but I really didn't know what to do," Graff said. "I know this isn’t right, but I almost feel guilty. Here I am still alive, and their loved one is gone."
More than 700 participants in Luverne's second annual Relay for Life all had their own reasons for being there - whether to celebrate or remember - but the underlying purpose was the same for everyone.
The event so far has raised $43,000 for the American Cancer Society, money that will be used for cancer research and education, and hopefully someday a cure.
According to organizers, 32 teams and 400 walkers circled the track for 12 continuous hours Friday night into Saturday morning.
"People were walking and visiting and the campfires were burning and it was really just a beautiful night," said co-chair Vicki Baartman.
"We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was perfect."
Some highlights of the night were the luminary ceremony and the sunrise service.
Cancer survivor Glenda Schomacker told her story at dusk as burning luminaries fringed the track. They glowed in memory of those who died from cancer or in honor of those who have survived it.
"Many things go through your mind," Schomacker said Friday night. "Will I see another Mother's Day? Will I be a survivor? How am I going to get through this? What about the bills?"
Her story illustrated the "darkness" of the disease and the "daylight" of recovery, which is why Relay for Life is an overnight event.
"I found out a survivor is a victim with an attitude," she said.
"Being a survivor is a state of mind. A survivor knows feeling down is okay. A survivor never leaves home without tissues, because tears are made to be shared. A survivor loves a good laugh, A survivor says 'thanks' with dignity and grace. A survivor learns to pray for little things just to get through the day."
For the sunrise service Saturday morning, participants sang the hymn, "Morning has Broken," and Pastor Del Sanderson referred to the Psalmist who wrote, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."
In his prayer, Sanderson said, "Lord of Light, as the dawn breaks forth we are mindful that light does come in time, not by our making, but by yours. As we have walked through the night, we know that dawn awaits us, for we are a people who walk in hope."
The event concluded with breakfast and cleanup.
"I think anybody who has experienced a Relay for Life event will be forever changed," Kaczrowski said.
"Witnessing friends and family members in the survivors walk, then the release of the balloons and the lighting of the luminaries can only fill a person with hope for cancer-free days and gratitude for all the good things we have."
Baartman said the event went more smoothly this year than last year, partly due to the weather, but partly due to good help.
"A heartfelt thanks to everyone in the community who pulled together to make this happen," Baartman said. "It really was a wonderful event."
Those still interested in donating money to the 2002 Relay for Life effort can contact Vivian Holst at the Reliant Energy office on Main Street. The phone number is 283-2331.