Organizers have another successful Clinton County Relay For Life

We saw you at Relay! (Top photo) Relay For Life committee members (front, from left) Dana Timmermann, Debi Dressel, Michele Maue, Tiffany Jansen, Adam Cowgill, and (back) Allison Gregory, Barb Gerstner, Deb Koetting, Amanda Gerstner and Maggie Gerstner (not pictured are committee members Michelle Kalmer, Charlee Dixon, Jordan Becker and Kari Becker)   The community came together for a good cause during the 26th annual Relay For Life on Friday, Aug. 8, at Central Community High School.
    Community members celebrate at Relay For LifeOrganizers don't have all of the totals in yet, but they are expecting to reach $44,000-$45,000.
    Many spent the night walking around the circle drive at Central.
    "We were very impressed with the event," organizer Michele Maue said. "We had so many walk around the drive as survivors and love their commitment through all of the years. The American Cancer Society has helped fund researchers who have made incredible advances in cancer research, treatment, and early detection, but there is still so much work to do."
   (Above, left) Cancer survivor David Deutsch, wife Caroline and granddaughter Adaline walk the circle at Relay The evening began with a survivor dinner. Activities then moved outdoors, with the opening ceremony and survivors lap starting at 7 p.m. The traditional luminaria ceremony began at sunset. CJ's Shake Up Stand was on site for cool drinks and treats. The night ended with winners of the basket raffles and the 50/50 drawing announced.
    There was great response from local businesses and organizations with sponsorships. Organizers also coordinated with local shirt company AVH Ink & Vinyl to print shirts locally and they will donate a portion of their sales to Relay For Life.
    A favorite moment of the event is seeing the survivors walk.
    "We had some newly diagnosed, some still fighting, others proudly celebrating five, 10, 20, or 30-plus years survivorship, and unfortunately others remembering those loved ones we lost," Maue said. "They are all reasons to relay."
    Organizers thanked everyone who supported Relay For Life this year.
   The Kramer family walks around the circle drive at Central Community High School "Over the years, Clinton County makes our committee proud," Maue said. "Cancer is a word that none of us want to hear. We wish that we could magically wave a wand and eliminate cancer. In the meantime, we keep fighting for a cure."
    Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature fundraising event. Since its founding in 1985, Relay For Life has raised over $5 billion to fund cancer research, patient care services, and education programs.
    Clinton County Relay For Life started in 2000 and has raised over $3.5 million for the American Cancer Society.
    Anyone still wanting to donate their time or money is always welcome. Every donation and every volunteer help the committee continue the fight against cancer and support those in the community that have been affected. Memorial donations may be arranged through local funeral homes in memory of a loved one.
    Donations can be mailed to: Relay For Life of Clinton County; P.O. Box 22; Breese, IL 62230.
    The American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are able to help those who have questions, need support, are looking for resources, or simply don't know where to turn. Call 1-800-227-2345 anytime day or night. No one should have to face cancer alone.
Clinton County Relay For Life committee member Deb Koetting reads a poem during the Relay For Life event on Friday, Aug. 8Clinton County Relay For Life committee member Michele Maue speaks during the Relay For Life event on Friday, Aug. 8