Attendees at the annual Relay for Life event Saturday kept saying, “we couldn’t ask for a better day.”
A better day weather-wise, that is.
The event held in the 80-degree, sunny weather fell short of its fundraising goal by about $8,000 according to Denae Alamano, community relations for the Midwest Division of the American Cancer Society.
“Our projected final total for relay is just over $12,000, with a goal of $20,000,” Alamano told The Journal Monday.
Alamano predicts the shortfall resulted from the loss of committee members as well as the absence of some of the relay’s larger teams.
“From what we have heard, the main reason was the belief that none of the money stays local and all of it goes to research,” Alamano said. “Koochiching County residents are using the programs and benefits ACS provides locally.”
In 2011, Alamano said ACS provided: seven local residents free stays at the Hope Lodge for cancer patients undergoing treatment in the Twin Cities; one college youth scholarship to help young cancer survivors to alleviate some of the financial burden incurred by a college education; mileage for a local volunteer to drive cancer patients to their treatments; gas cards to seven local residents; low-cost-to-free wigs to two local residents; and more.
Nonetheless, regardless of the dollar sign the event brought in, the day was full of celebration and emotion.
An opening ceremony kicked off with local breast cancer survivor Marcia Stewart sharing her success story.
“When (doctors) tell you that you have cancer, your heart drops, your stomach goes in a knot, and you start planning your funeral,” said Stewart who has been cancer-free for 1-1/2 years. “It’s a scary, scary word.”
Stewart continued that she eventually “got real about it” and took advantage of the opportunities available to her to fight back against the disease.
“I felt fine the whole time,” Stewart said of her treatment period. “I had a lot of support.”
Stewart said she was among the local names who benefited from research funded by the Koochiching County Relay for Life.
“We need to continue to support that,” she said of the event.
Alamano also spoke during the opening ceremony and noted Relay for Life founder, Dr. Gordy Klatt.
“In 1985, (Klatt) decided he wanted to make a difference for the American Cancer Society,” Alamano said. “Dr. Klatt decided to run for 24 hours and asked everyone he knew for contributions. In total, he raised $27,000 all on his own.”
Alamano said Klatt’s original idea developed into what the Relay for Life has become — more than 6,000 relay events take place annually in the United States.
“This past fall, Dr. Gordy Klatt was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” Alamano explained. “Now I ask you not only to relay for your loved ones, but also for him.”
Alamano said about 100 people visited the park throughout the day to take part in the various festivities and glance at the more than 800 luminaries that lined the block around Smokey Bear Park.
Laurie Humbert, who chaired this year’s relay for life, said she has held the position for the past five years. Humbert said she chairs the event in honor of her 11-year-old son, Blaine, who is a cancer survivor.
“He’s my hero,” Humbert said as she planted a kiss on her son’s forehead.
Later in the day, Blaine was among local “celebrities” who lined the stage of the Irving “Pete” Peterson Memorial Bandshell for a cancer trivia contest. For each wrong answer the “celebrity” gave, they received a pie in the face. Blaine said he didn’t mind, he “wanted a snack.”
The day ended with the luminary ceremony that brought families together to honor those who have won the fight against cancer and remember those who lost.
“The luminary ceremony is always touching,” Alamano said.
Alamano concluded that next year, ACS is planning to move the event back to the spring to hopefully involve the local schools and more members of the community.
For those who were unable to attend the event, but would like to donate, donations can be made by calling Laurie Humbert at 285-3404 or Alamano at 218-444-4916. Online donations can be made by visiting www.relayforlife.org/koochichingmn.
