RELAY FOR LIFE GEARING UP FOR 25TH YEAR

    Over one million dollars! That’s a huge amount of money for a few small communities to raise. Yet, in just over two decades, that is how much the Marshall County Relay for Life has raised and donated for cancer research. Now, as the event celebrates a big 25th anniversary, the Marshall County American Cancer Society is excited to make the relay bigger and better than ever. 
    It was 25 years ago when it all began, but the roots of the event go back even further. In 1987, Carol Jones’s daughter Tracy was diagnosed with cancer. Later, following her treatments, Tracy was living in Rochester, MN. There she experienced the Relay for Life events that they had been doing to raise money for cancer research. Tracy was so impressed that she convinced her mom, Suzie Ogren, and her kids to come to Rochester for two years to experience it. And, when they did, Tracy told Carol that Marshall County should try a relay. She was insistent that it could be done. 
    Soon, Carol got her friend, Cleo Symens, to help her organize a “Relay For Life” and that’s how Marshall County’s event got started. Teams formed and had their own fundraising events to see which of the 24 teams, in a friendly competition, could raise the most money. Families who were dealing with cancer and survivors who had been affected joined the festivities. 
    Since those humble beginnings 25 years ago, here in Marshall County over a million dollars has been raised and donated to the American Cancer Society for research to find treatments and cures for all different types of cancer. There are area residents who have benefitted greatly from all the new treatments that are being discovered. Lives have been changed and filled with hope!
    Now, the Marshall County folks are gearing up for their 25th Relay For Life celebration. Teams have been raising money all year long through various activities, but they want everyone to join in the fun and help them reach a milestone. 
    Mark your calendar for the June 8 event at the Britton Event Center starting at 1 p.m. Their theme “Carnival 2024” will bring fun for folks of every age. There will be food, fun, festivities, and entertainment with a carnival atmosphere. Jan Seibel is arranging entertainment for the Relay. If you or anyone you know would like to share your talents, please contact Jan as soon as possible at 605-448-3002.
    To make this year’s event bigger and better, teams have been working all year, but as activities ramp up, all teams are looking for more members. They invite you to contact one of the Team Captains to join in the fun. Team Captains are: Cousin’s Crusaders — Rhonda Wade and Julie Lenius; Eden Muskrats — Mike Dunn; Archie’s Turtles — Patty Roehr; Wacky Walkers — Colleen Vold, Linda Bosse, Becky Roehr, Bev Daberkow; Cheryl’s Stars — Cathy Shantois and Judy Pfitzer; Lake City Ladies — Judi Schultz; and the newest team Chicks & Hens — Jan Seibel & Kay Friebel.
    See you at the Event Center on June 8.