Relay for Life 2012 soggy but great

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Relay For Life is an event to commemorate those who have suffered from cancer and have survived and those who lost their lives to cancer. The Relay For Life was held July 13 at the Emery High School athletic track and football field. The track was decorated at the starting line with a Relay For Life banner and balloons. Around the edge of the track were paper bags with the names of a cancer victims. The candle inside was to be lit after dark. These are called luminaries. Across the whole football field, tents were set up offering a variety of items for purchase. In most cases any profit derived was being donated to the Relay For Life. Jerry and Gerry Stotler were cooking hot dogs and hamburgers on one edge of the field.
The committee of the Relay For Life had set up a tent near the South end of the field and were serving a great meal for a small fee. All cancer survivors were encouraged to check in at the Relay For Life table receive a purple T-shirt and a ticket for the meal.
Tyler Jeffs from Farm Bureau Financial and the Emery County Business Chamber announced the opening ceremonies. Orangeville scouts posted the colors and led the pledge of allegiance.
Jessica Funk is the Relay for Life Chairman this year. Susan Austin served as the survivor chairman. She said the American Cancer Society helps people get well and stay well. It helps create more survivors. There are 9 million survivors in the United States. The American Cancer Society puts $130 million into cancer research each year. The ACS provides education. Early detection can save your life, getting mammographies and colonoscopies can save your life. The ACS spends money to fight for life saving laws. They reduce tobacco use and spend money on early detection programs for the low income people. Cancer isn’t just a health issue, it is a political issue. “Funds raised tonight can help with follow-up care and treatments. Programs for the underinsured and those with no insurance are funded. Low cost or free screenings are offered. There are discount wigs for people who need them. There is help for the emotional side of cancer. Progress is being made. The luminaries will be lit for those with cancer now, those survivors, and those who have lost the battle, we will remember them all. Being at Relay for Life is a chance to fight back. It’s a personal commitment to live healthy. It’s a chance to make a difference,” said Austin.
Austin encouraged all survivors to register because that is the only way they can be contacted. Privacy laws prevent the ACS from obtaining survivor names. The information will be confidential and survivors will only be contacted with information about survivor activities and support.
All of the survivors met and walked a survivor lap.
Entertainment continued throughout the evening. The luminary ceremony became a little soggy as rains moved over Castle Dale, but with the dry weather and fires lately, no one complained about the rain.
A raffle for quilts and other prizes was held.
Jessica Funk announced her committee members who helped with Relay for Life this year. Joyce Swaner is the area relay chairman for the ACS. Judi Bishop served as vice chairman; Gerry Stotler, Jerry Stotler, Patsy Stoddard, Christie Guymon, Joel Hatch, Ann Jones, Jamey Murdoch, Taina Benson, Susan Austin, and Rosario Cano.
Shirley Huntington of the Lion’s Club presented the Relay for Life with a check.