Letter: Relay for Life helps local people

Opinion

June 17, 2009

Anonymous McLeansboro Times-Leader Wed Jun 17, 2009, 04:09 PM CDT

To the editor:

Over the past two years, we have had the honor of serving as event chairs for the Hamilton County Relay for Life. This was the fifth Relay for Life in Hamilton County, and prior to that there were several Walks for Life.

Throughout the years, Hamilton County has shown exceptional support for the events. We would like to sincerely thank those who have supported the fight against cancer. There are so many individuals, businesses, civic groups, churches and youth organizations that have supported this event that it is difficult to send individual notes of appreciation for fear of missing someone.

According to information from the American Cancer Society, approximately 3 percent of a county’s population suffers from or has suffered from cancer. In Hamilton County, this is approximately 255 individuals. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer.

The dollars donated to Relay for Life do benefit Hamilton County. Many times, people are hesitant to donate because they feel the money does not stay in the county.

The money does come to Hamilton County. We have had individuals in the county who have benefited from the funds donated to Relay for Life. Many have taken advantage of the cancer support groups, rides to cancer treatments, free wigs, help with insurance companies, and Look Good Feel Better days.

This is not an all-inclusive list. There are many more services that the American Cancer Society has provided to the people of Hamilton County. Most people here are private and don’t tell everyone what services they are using.

The Relay for Life is a year-long event. We encourage those interested in the fight against cancer to form a team, support the teams, volunteer to help or join the committee. We always need help.

In the 2009 Relay for Life, Hamilton County raised $31,000. This is an astronomical amount for a county of this size. Words cannot express the appreciation we feel to those who have supported this event and provided any type of help in making the event so successful.

Furthermore, the American Cancer Society and the committees who put the Relay for Life on would like to express how much it means to us for the cancer survivors and caregivers to be present at the event. It takes a lot of courage and strength to show up and tell us your story.

Cancer is not just a word; it is a disease that has no mercy. Thank you, Hamilton County; you did a great job!

Don and Rhonda Cox

Hamilton County Relay for Life

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