Relay For Life of Shelby County Expected to Top $24,000
Survivor Lap-With bright skies ahead of them and clouds in their past, cancer survivors took the first lap at the Shelby County Relay for Life, held Saturday evening, June 3. A video of the opening ceremony and Survivor Lap can be seen at www.nemonews.net.
Weather and location gave “Fight back, Remember and Birthdays” a perfect setting for the signature American Cancer Society’s dusk to dawn event this past Saturday evening. From 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, June 4, teams offered food and games. The Central Committee produced a full program of attractions at the band stand. Table after table displayed inviting baskets in the Shelby County Teen Center for the Silent Auction. The Shelby County Courthouse Square was the right choice for making a difference in the “fight” against cancer.
Liz Miles, chairman for the Cure Seekers Relay team, said the unifying purpose for her team was all members had a family member with cancer. “We all believe in raising money for research. Treatment has come a long way because of research!” Kim Miles, Elise Miles, Jay Miles, Christine Miles, Rachel Bichsel, Cassie Geisendorfer, Stacey Geisendorfer and Heidi Reitz could be found taking their turns throughout the evening at their food booth offering walking tacos and kids’ games.
The local Delta Theta Tau Sorority members have sponsored their Rose Garden team since 1994. 2016 co-chairman Marilyn Shouse emphasized that every member had friends and family members who had benefitted from new treatments. Shouse stated, “A lot has been done for cancer patients. Because of research new treatments are extending the quality of life for survivors. The problem is that there are so many kinds of cancer. Several of us are involved in the Central Committee as well as our Rose Garden team.” Joining Shouse and co-captain Mary Kraichely in hosting a Daddy-Daughter Dance and doing a collection at the four-way stops in Shelbina and Shelbyville prior to the event and cooking during the evening were Delta Pas Don Shouse, Roger Barrick, Jeff Bender, Jason Cook, Justin Tobias, Tim Eitel and Loyd Finke; Deltas Elizabeth Tobias, Cheryl Spilker, Stephanie Bender, Debbie Barrick, Amie Sneed, Tina Eitel, Katie Wiley, Joyce Halterman, Linda Smith, Carolyn Botkin, Marilyn Van Gels, Ginger Thrasher, Amanda Cook, Edie Finke and Debbie Vannoy; and team members Landon Bender, Miley Bender, Lilly Cook, and Clay Cook.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, the oldest and strongest supports of Relay For Life of Shelby County, had team members Jim and Mary Lou McConnell, Kelly Wilt, Arla Brengle, Patty Barnes, Cameron Christoffer, Libby Million helping team captain Charlene Brengle.
Youth know the word “cancer”, and the South Shelby Candy Rappers returned with a strong show. Among their team membership were the names of Rikki Beldon, Hailey Douglass, Abbie Copenhaver, Maggie Copenhaver, and Susan Copenhaver. Dramatically set up beside the Bounce House, it was hard to miss the attraction for other youth attending the evening event.
Giving punch to the “birthdays” celebrated in the Survivor’s Lap and Caregivers Lap was Lordeen Requet’s testimony. Yes, she cut the ribbon and led the Survivor’s Lap. Lordeen Requet was dynamic as the speaker. Recently diagnosed, treated and in remission in one week, her sparkle, return to health, and vitality punctuated “Why Relay?” with the big word: RESEARCH!
Music for the evening included South Shelby High School vocalist Daisy Jackson, daughter of Jenna Begley, Shelbian; the National Anthem sung by the Kendrick Family; musician Blake Totten with Troy Renner on bass guitar, John Grishman, drummer, Von Thrasher, lead guitar, and Dave Snarr, sound; and the Bethel Church Bell Choir.
Kathrine McDaniel, American Cancer Society partner, shared that research now predicts 1.5 million people will be diagnosed nationally with cancer. McDaniel continued, “Early detection has resulted from years of research. Early detection leads to earlier treatment and survival. Each is one degree away from a cancer – a family member, a friend, maybe a work associate.” McDaniel and Emcee Kyle Kendrick challenged their audience to turn and tell someone, “One degree from cancer.”
The evening bank totaled over $16,000.00. During the evening, the Shelby County Teen Center formed a team and joined the “fight”. The 2016 Relay For Life of Shelby County ends August 31st and teams are confident by the final meeting of the Central Committee the Relay For Life of Shelby County closing numbers will be closer to their goal of $24,000.00 and the cure to cancer. Donations can continue to be made to Relay For Life of Shelby County by going to relayforlife.org and searching for Shelby County, Missouri.
A photo gallery with more than 100 photos of the evening’s activities can be seen below. Please, like, tag and share with your facebook friends.
Here is a video of the Opening and Survivor Walk
Here is the video of Lordeen Requet’s story:
Remembering Our Loved Ones—Names of those still fighting cancer, and those who have passed, are read during the Luminaria ceremony at Relay for Life.
