Notes from the Newsroom

Each week when the Leader staff reads through the obituaries, the number of people who have died from some variation of cancer is astonishing. Many people die from natural causes, having lived a long life, while all too many of our family, friends and relatives see their lives cut short by this vicious disease. More than half a million people died from cancer in the United States during 2009, according to the American Cancer Society, but the survival rate for all diagnoses is up to 66 percent nationwide.

Fortunately for Lake County residents, we can all look forward to an upcoming event that helps fundraise and give support in a fun, optimistic atmosphere to cancer survivors, family members and community residents interested in supporting cancer research.

This Saturday, June 19, marks the 11th annual Relay for Life event in Lake County, "to celebrate those who have won the battle against cancer, remember those who have lost their battle and to fight back against the disease so that people cannot be hurt by cancer in the future."

The all-night event, held at the Polson High School sports complex, will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a survivor's reception. An opening survivor's lap will officially begin the event, followed by a lap with family and friends of survivors.

While teams must have one person making a lap throughout the event, which runs until the 7 a.m. closing ceremony on June 20, events throughout the night will help keep children occupied and participants going.

One highlight for coordinator Etta Moore and many attendees has always been the Luminaria Ceremony at 11 p.m. Candles are lit and put in bags to commemorate a lost loved one or a survivor, while names of those who have succumbed to the disease will be read over the PA system. The stadium lights will be turned off to add to the atmosphere.

"It's quite a moving event," Moore said.

Lighthearted and fun things, like prizes and auctions, a "relay store" and a "Ms." Relay event at midnight help raise the somber tone of the event's purpose. After all, "Celebrating more Birthdays," the event's tagline, is an important milestone. Many survivors can recall the exact date that they officially beat the disease, which is certainly what Relay for Life and the ACS really likes to celebrate.

Even if not a member of a team, community members are encouraged to come and check out the event. As of press time, 34 teams had signed up with approximately 400 participants, according to Team Development Chair Joyce Kackmann.

Each participant is supposed to raise $100, she said, and with all the other fundraising aspects of the race, organizers hope to raise plenty of money for the American Cancer Society. Event accountant Rachel Osburn said our community raised approximately $62,000 last year, and the goal for this year is $85,000. And everyone hopes that the money can help even more people celebrate even more birthdays.

For more information or to RSVP to the survivor's reception, contact Etta Moore at 406-250-2966.