One step forward

Those are the goals of the Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, which also brings community members together to support those undergoing cancer treatment or grieving for a lost loved one.

The June 12 fundraiser will run from 2 p.m. to midnight at Smokey Bear Park. Included will be a survivor lap, entertainment and events in the park throughout the day and a memorial luminary ceremony at dark.

The event links those going through an immensely personal battle with others in similar circumstances, showing that cancer is a disease that affects the whole community and the world.

Family members who had cancer inspired Laurie Humbert to become more involved in the cause as the Koochiching County Relay for Life chair.

“My sister and I started to relay in honor of our mom who lost her battle to breast cancer almost 20 years ago, but then it became even more important to me when our son Blaine was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006,” Humbert said. “I knew I needed to get involved in a bigger way, not ever thinking I could or would chair such an event, but once I got involved it just seemed to be my calling and I love it and hope that someday another mom will feel our difference.”

The community has rallied around the cause in the past, leading to successful campaigns in previous years, and the hope that the giving spirit continues.

“International Falls shows time and again what a caring, compassionate community it is, and I am proud to tell people where I live,” said Emily Whitbeck, entertainment and events coordinator for the local relay.

Whitbeck agreed that the far-reaching effects of cancer, along with personal experiences through family, have inspired her to get involved. She said that because nearly everyone is affected, the community should get involved.

“Everyone’s life is touched by cancer. My grandmother Jackie had colon cancer and my grandfather Hugh died from lung cancer and my aunt Char died from lung/brain cancer. If people turn their heads and close their wallets and say it won’t happen to me, they may unfortunately regret that decision.

“People who participate whether physically, spiritually or financially know when they go to sleep at night they have done something to better themselves, their neighbors or a small child that they will never meet that will live to graduate from school, get married and have grandchildren that wouldn’t have had that chance $1,000 ago, $100 ago, $10 ago.”

Many of the funds raised in the local Relay will stay in the county.

“The benefits from relay are that when we relay we raise funds for the American Cancer Society to help research, education, and patient support — all are so important,” Humbert said. Local patients can receive help from the American Cancer Society with gas cards, wigs, and hotel expenses, Humbert explained. Request for support from cancer patients are often fulfilled by funds from the patient's county.

“The more requests from Koochiching the more pieces of the pie from ACS Kooch County cancer patients will have available. Education is a huge part, but also is the research because that is where the cures will happen.”

One of the speakers for the night will be local resident Gwen Street, who had brain surgery to remove a tumor that had filled her head.

Teams can sign up to walk in the relay until the date of the event. Those interested in starting a team may call Humbert at 285-3404 for team packets. There is no age limit for teams, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. The Relay for Life requests a $150 minimum team donation. Teams will have one member walking the track during the 10-hour event.

“It will be an event you will all want to take a part in — even just walking the track,” Humbert promises.

The relay will be led for a lap by cancer survivors. Citizens of Koochiching County who have or had cancer will be announced, and will receive a special shirt and gift from the American Cancer Society and walk the track in honor. Cancer survivors who would like to walk at the event can contact Humbert or other members of the Relay committee.

Luminary forms are inserted in this edition of The Journal. Personalized luminaries will be lit at dark in memory of those who have died from cancer, a ceremony which has in the past proved to be a moving tribute.

While the seriousness of cancer and raising funds for a variety of cancer-related causes will be paramount, the event will also include some entertainment to add levity and fun to what could otherwise be a sober event.

A favorite event that will return this year is “pie-in-the face,” according to Whitbeck. Contestants signed up for the cancer quiz (where an incorrect answer leads to a sticky face) include Lori Lyman, citizen of the year; Paul Eklund, Falls city councilor; and Suzie Best, of Charter, Visual Media.

New this year will be local entertainment in the park’s band shell from 4 to 7 p.m. Bands, poets, comedians, acoustic, single artists, dancers, and other entertainers are welcome to participate. Whitbeck explained that the relay event is open to all forms of family-friendly entertainment.

Those interested in participating in the entertainment portion of the event can e-mail Whitbeck at ifallstalent@yahoo.com or call 324-0214. The deadline to participate on stage is Friday.

For more information on the local Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/koochichingmn. On that website, visitors can track each relay member’s donations, get involved, and learn more about the event and specific causes that are funded in this area.