Posted: 8/2/06
Relay raises money to fight cancer
 Survivors took to the track for the first lap of the evening. |
By MaryHelen Swanson
With perspiration glistening on everyoneís skin, a hearty group of Chisago County citizens gathered in the heat Friday night for the 2006 Relay for Life at the football field in North Branch.
They were energized with words of encouragement at the opening ceremony where Todd Peterson and Matt Flory of the American Cancer Society provided information about the work of the ACS.
Peterson talked about the goals for 2015, saying if reached, it means 5 million could be cured and 6 million may never have to hear the words, ìYouíve got cancer.î
Flory brought the numbers closer to home saying this year 200 Chisago County citizens will hear those words and 75-100 will lose their lives.
But he also noted that in this, the 60th anniversary of cancer research, the future is looking better. Fund-raiser events such as walks have raised $3 billion in the past 60 years, he said. With it, ACS has funded over 38 Nobel prize winners in research. This spring $8 million went to the University of Minnesota for research.
Cancer survivors, named honorary chairpersons, included Ginny Thorn, Pete Nelson and Jeff Nickel, each sharing the heartache and triumph of their own cancer story.
The event raised $47,618.44. Caryl & Co. was the top team raising $4,725. The Morgan family, Lance, Julie and daughter, raised $1,400 and Bonnie Nelson was the highest fund-raiser individual with $1,200. A wrap-up meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at the United Methodist Church.
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