July 27, 2015 at 4:18 p.m.
More than $22,000 raised at Relay for Life
More than $22,000 raised at Relay for Life
According to Diane Geis Hapka of the American Cancer Society, $22,500 was raised as of Saturday night.
Oneida County Relay for Life has until the end of August to reach its stated goal of $28,000, she added.
The weather was perfect for a walk in the park to honor survivors and remember those who have been lost to cancer.
Over 1,400 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year in Oneida County alone, Hapka said, which is why events such as Relay for Life are so important.
"It's a problem that we need to help solve." she said.
Music was provided by Jeff Santy and the Tunesmith Academy, among others.
"We had great music this year," Hapka said.
The change of venue, moving from the Mike Webster Stadium track at Rhinelander High School to Hodag Park, worked well, Hapka said.
At 9 p.m. the luminaries were lit in honor of those who have fought the battle with cancer, regardless of outcome. The luminaries lined the walkway from one end of Hodag Park to the other, lighting up the night like small beacons of hope.
The luminaries were weighted with donated cans of tuna which will go to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry.
Ruth Lesch, a first-year participant, said her team raised over $1,000.
She said their team was formed in honor of her grandmother, who fought ovarian cancer, as well as others with the disease.
"Keep giving and donating," Lesch said, "We've got to beat this thing. There's too many people we lose."
The statistic for Oneida County residents succumbing to cancer per year is 540, according to Relay organizers.
Hapka thanked the Rhinelander community for coming out to the Relay for Life and noted that Bark for Life is coming up on Aug. 29.
Relay for Life is a grassroots effort to help accomplish the American Cancer Society's mission of helping people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back.
In related news, Vince Lofquist launched his kayak at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning to raise funds and awareness for Relay for Life/Bark for Life. His voyage will cross 400 miles.
For more information on how to help, contact the American Cancer Society at (715) 891-2061.
Katie Perttunen may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.