Losses, gains, hope shared at Relay for Life

Fund-raiser benefits

American Cancer Society

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The word "hope" burned brightly in the grandstand of the Brown County Fair grounds as the Fifth Annual Relay for Life unfolded at the Brown County Fairgrounds on Friday evening.

Participants in the fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society knew the event offered hope on several levels, emotional, spiritual and financial.

Relay for Life 2000 raised $93,600 for cancer prevention, research, education, advocacy and service. About 63 percent of those funds will benefit Brown County, according to Beth Zabel, Relay for Life Committee Chair.

"We more than met our expectations. It was just wonderful. It went well ... with very few hitches," said Zabel, "We had fun, games and food. Everybody there got in on the action."

Thirty teams with 350 walkers made continuous laps around the Relay for Life Track at the fairgrounds from early Friday evening to early Saturday morning.

"Almost every campsite had their own fund-raiser at the campsite," said Zabel, "There were crafts, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn. ... There was just something going on all the time."

Activities included a fashion show and a pizza olympics.

Participants in the fashion show used newspapers, red and black tape, plastic bags and two yards of material to design garments.

In the Pizza Olympics, contestants walked about 10 yards balancing pizza boxes on their heads. For each heat of the event, another pizza box was added on top of the participant's head.

Zabel identified the three highlights of the Relay for Life ­ the "Survivors Lap," a speech given by Brenda Hofmeister, honorary chair, and the lighting of the luminary candles. Each luminaries honored an individuals who is fighting or had fought cancer or for those who died from the disease.

"We had 10,656 luminaries lit up," said Zabel, "That's just an amazing site when all of the luminaries are lit up."

The Survivors Lap around the track involved 100 or so survivors of cancer.

"The survivors ranged from days to 30 or 40 years," said Zabel, "I just think it is so brave for people who have been recently diagnosed to be there and to participate."

Hofmeister's speech drew an emotional reaction, according to Zabel.

"After she was done, her friends and family surrounded her . ... It was a very touching experience," said Zabel.

Zabel attributed the success of the 2000 Relay for Life to the organizational committee.

"The committee I worked with ­ they were stellar," said Zabel, "They knew what the jobs to do were and they got them done."

Carol Carlson, of Sleepy Eye, a survivor of ovarian cancer, assisted at the survivors' registration area .

"It's a powerful evening. When you see HOPE 2000 in the bleachers, ... it really means something. ... All the luminaries and all the people there. It's very touching," said Carlson, "I feel truly blessed. I hope I never take a day for granted. ... That would be a foolish thing to do."

Grace Galvin, of Waseca, also a participant in the Relay for Life, was diagnosed this year with breast cancer.

"I think the community support was wonderful in New Ulm," said Galvin, "I thought the event was well-organized and well-attended."

Galvin's cancer was caught in a routine mammogram.

"I highly support all women over 40 having yearly mammograms and all women doing monthly self-breast exams," said Galvin.

"Faith plays a big part ... just to know that you are not alone," Galvin said. God is with you and others are caring and praying for you. I think a sense of humor helps tremendously in dealing with it."

Ginny Berg, of Comfrey, another cancer survivor, helped at the Relay for Life.

"It went really good. This was the biggest one yet. I just think it's a tremendous cause -- there's a lot of benefits -- emotional, financial and spiritual. It helps so many different people. You can share your losses and your gains. Sometimes it's hard to keep a positive outlook when you don't feel good. ... We can never give up hope."