July 18, 2016 at 4:56 p.m.
Taking up the fight: Community shows support for cancer patients at Relay for Life
Taking up the fight: Community shows support for cancer patients at Relay for Life
By Kayla Thomason-
"We're just really ecstatic with the turnout and the weather - thank God - has held out for us and (we're) just honored to be here," said co-organizer Angie Harris.
People walked laps past the unlit luminarias, paper lanterns featuring the names of those lost to cancer.
The Potawatomi Fire Nation gave a moving performance which was followed by a speech from the guest speaker, Bill Priebe.
After an introduction from his grandson, Priebe told the group about his continuing battle with stage 3 prostate cancer. He shared encounters he's had with people and drug companies who have pulled strings to get him assistance. Most importantly, he spoke of the rock-solid support system he has in his family.
"I think Mr. Priebe's story is exceptional in his fight through this disease," said Terry Friese, a cancer survivor himself. "He's persevered, he's strong, he's got a great support network and he's determined. I was inspired by him."
"I think it's just exceptional and encouraging that people in the community continue to support cancer patients and their families and the families and the caregivers are priceless," he added.
Following Priebe's speech was the Survivor's Ceremony, with Priebe in the lead.
As has become tradition, Queen's "We Are the Champions" played as a tribute while the survivors took a well-deserved lap.
The survivors lead the relay so those who are still battling the disease can see how many people have conquered it and that there is hope.
This was Sue Booker's first time at a Relay for Life event.
She said she was inspired by the support she saw from the community.
"I think it's great, it's something to bring the community together and teach them about cancer and raise money," she said.
Booker and the others in her group of six people, called "Barb's Angels," walked 14,000 steps, according to her FitBit.
She said she enjoyed Priebe's speech as his words echoed what her family has gone through.
"It touches home, it's things that I went through and I'm just glad that people are surviving," she said.
"I would just like to see more people in the community come out and just be, even if you haven't been touched by cancer, it's such a widespread thing. (Cancer patients) need more support."
This was also Ulrike Cline's first time at a Relay for Life event. She came away impressed.
"It's a neat event, I really like it, I like the atmosphere the people get together," she said.
She and her group walked 5.6 miles, according to her FitBit.
Cline has known a few people who have been affected by cancer and said she plans to attend more Relay for Life events.
As people walked laps and participated in the many events, Tunesmith Academy, Rewired and Drop the Mic DJ Service played entertained the crowd.
This is the second year that Relay for Life has been held at Hodag Park and the first year that Oneida and Forest counties combined forces to host the event.
"We love (that it is held at Hodag Park), it helps with the temperature for one, with the water," Harris said. "It's more of a friendly atmosphere. Come and hang out with your friends and family at the park."
Organizers said they hoped to raise $35,000 for cancer research during the event. Final numbers were not available as of press time.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla @rivernewsonline.com.
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