Relay For Life Earns Over $77,000 For Cancer

    The 25th Anniversary of the Marshall County Relay for Life was another success. The community raised $77.150.32, with more funds sure to come before the end of fiscal year.  This number is significantly higher than last year’s relay earnings and is close to pre-COVID levels. 
    “Everyone should be proud of their efforts to help find a cure for cancer and to support cancer victims and their families,” said Relay Co-chair Marie Marlow.
    There were eight teams who took part in this year’s relay,  – up two from the past few years. The theme was “Carnival,” and there was carnival food and games available all day long. 
    The relay began with the American Legion Color Guard posting the colors, the National Anthem was sung by Amy Jo Vietor and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees. 
    The Survivor Lap was followed by the introduction of the teams. Throughout the day, the attendees were entertained by Stephanie Symens, The Zuehlke Family and Aiden Strong and Amelia Ingvalson performing their oral interp selection, “A Bad Week for Therapy.” There was bingo, a cake walk, corn hole, camaraderie amongst attendees and many tears of both sadness and joy were shed. 
    A total of 822 luminaries and 30 torches were lit in memory of those lost to cancer and in honor of those that are still fighting the battle, many with successful results. 
    The evening ended with juice and rolls and ended with the Candlelight Ceremony. 
    “We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to both celebrate the survivors and reminisce and  reflect, memorialize our lost loved ones,” noted Marlow. 
    Numerous success stories await sharing, made possible only by the collective efforts of all who contributed to fundraising for cancer research. “Our own community is greatly impacted by this fundraiser in the many strides that have been made with new and improved treatments that many of our own cancer survivors have and are receiving. Many are cancer free now because of these new treatments and drugs,” added Marlow. 
    “Our community does benefit from the funds we raise,” said the co-chair. “The funds also come back to us through our Cancer Care Centers and receive grant money from the American Cancer Society to assist with transportation and lodging costs. Patients just need to ask at their cancer center if they have assistance. I know that Avera has been awarded a $60,000 grant for these purposes. They also provide an abundance of literature for cancer patients and their families.”