https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Cancer-survivors-to-share-stories-at-Jerseyville-12638948.php
Cancer survivors to share stories at Jerseyville event
Published 12:00 am CDT, Monday, May 19, 2014
JERSEYVILLE — Kayla Frank, chair of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Jersey County, wants to get the word out to cancer survivors to attend the June 6 event, and share their stories.
"It's an eye opener," said Frank, in her fourth year as chair. "It's hard to get survivors (to come). It (the relay) is in their honor. It lets them share their stories. It's all about hope."
This year's Relay for Life will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, June 6, at Jersey Community High School, with the survivor dinner and reception at 5:30 p.m. Those who want to participate may RSVP to Kayla Frank, (618) 977-4024.
Relay For Life gives the community an opportunity to help "save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays." The opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. The relay theme is, "Be a Hero, Cure Cancer." Interested participants can come dressed as their favorite superhero, or they may meet their superhero that night.
Fredbird will make a guest appearance. He is in his third year as a feature of the event, after Frank wrote a letter requesting him to come. She said the relay is not charged for the appearance since it is not-for-profit.
"We keep costs to a minimum," the chair said. "We get lots of donations."
Kellie Steinkuehler will speak at the 9 p.m. luminaria ceremony. She has a 2-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with cancer. The relay helps people get their stories out.
"Relay For Life draws attention to the progress being made by the American Cancer Society, and the work yet to be done," Frank said. "Many participants are our family, friends and neighbors who have faced cancer themselves. Their involvement gives us hope that, together, we can finish the fight against cancer. Each new team that registers brings us that much closer."
Teams may register at www.relayforlife.org/jerseyil or by calling 800-227-2345.Frank said
Frank said her sister had an experience with skin cancer and her grandmother had had cancer as well. She wants to raise awareness that the Relay For Life funds programs in addition to research. The "Look Good Feel Better" program provides makeup kits and free wigs to women going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she said. The free-community-based program is celebrating its 25th anniversary, helping women learn beauty techniques to help restore their self-image and appearance during treatment.
The American Cancer Society "Road to Recovery" program provides transportation to and from treatment for cancer victims who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the treatments they need.
Former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, faith-based and civic organizations, and anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer, are invited to take part. Frank said corporate sponsorships and business donations have increased in the last few years since she took over, extending the outreach and awareness.
Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times. Teams do most of their fundraising before the event, but some teams also hold fundraisers at their camp sites.
A mission fight back ceremony will begin at 10 p.m., with a Z-blast class by Larry and Amy Lowis, zumba instructors who hold 16 classes per week. Closing ceremony will begin at midnight, with something "new and exciting for our county."
For more information, visit the American Cancer Society website, cancer.org.
Sylvia Decker can be contacted at sdecker@civitasmedia.com