By Lori Ehde
Luverne will stage its own version of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life June 15 and 16.
The Relay for Life has become the trademark fund-raiser for the Society, the world’s largest non-profit health organization committed to cancer research, education and service.
Cindy Arends, who is serving as corporate sponsor chair of the local event, is one of the organizers who felt it was important that Rock County has its own Relay for Life.
"I was impressed by what I saw in Pipestone last summer when they had their first Relay for Life," Arends said. "It affected me, because my dad died of cancer 13 years ago."
That September, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and died in December.
"I had no idea this was in my future when I first inquired about Relay for Life last summer, but now it means even more to me," Arends said.
Most volunteers, like Arends, get involved for similar personal reasons.
Relay for Life involves teams of runners and walkers competing against each other to raise the most money.
Teams of individuals representing corporations, hospitals, neighborhoods and families take turns on the track with at least one team member on the track at a time.
The Relay for Life is now held nationwide, and thousands of people participate each year to help fight cancer.
The event is most noted for its luminaries that glow in memory of individuals who have died from cancer, or in honor of those who have survived cancer.
The paper sacks, containing sand and candles, are displayed around the track and are illuminated during a special lighting ceremony at dusk.
March 8 will be the official kickoff of Rock County’s Relay for Life. That meeting will involve corporate sponsors, team captains and co-chairs to discuss the purpose and goals for the event.
Don and Betty Cashin, two local cancer survivors, have been named honorary co-chairs for the event.
In December, local organizers mailed letters to area businesses announcing the event.
The letter also outlined several ways to get involved.
• Corporations, businesses and group sponsors are needed to donate advertising dollars to promote Relay for Life.
• Teams of eight to 10 walkers are needed to compete to raise money during the night of walking.
• People are needed who are willing to buy luminaries in memory of their loved ones who have died from cancer or to honor those who have survived cancer.
• Volunteers are needed to help with any part of this activity, from setting up to cleaning up and to support Relay for Life by attending.
Arends can be reached at 669-2905. Vicki Baartman, 283-4119, and Janet Marshall, 283-4192, are co-chairs for Relay for Life in Rock County. Helen Saum, 283-4340, is team recruitment chair.