Few people appreciate the value of cancer research more than Randy Kehr.

In 1987, Kehr was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and at first, the prognosis didn’t seem bright.

&uot;My wife went home and read a medical book that was roughly five years old, and it said to get your affairs in order,&uot; Kehr said.

But after speaking with an oncologist, Kehr learned that research conducted since that book was written had turned the disease from one of the most deadly forms of cancer into one of the most curable.

Now, Kehr, an Albert Lea resident, is the honorary chairman for the first American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Freeborn County.

&uot;When the oncologist talked some more about it, we talked about the importance of research,&uot; Kehr told Relay for Life organizers at a kick-off meeting Monday night at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. &uot;The American Cancer Society funds a great deal of that research, and they get their money from us &045; all the people who raise five, 10 or 15 dollars.&uot;

The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, held in communities in all 50 states and eight other countries. Teams from businesses, clubs, hospitals, churches, schools, service organizations, families or groups of friends partipate by taking turns walking during an all-night event.

Worldwide, the event raises $100 million a year.

The cancer society is glad to be starting a Relay for Life in Freeborn County, said June Howard, the income development coordinator out of Rochester.

&uot;We are overwhelmed by the response from Freeborn County,&uot; she said.

The event is Aug. 15 at the fairgrounds. Teams often bring tents or campers to spend the night, and entertainment and games are planned to create a festive atmosphere.

The relay will have its solemn moments, too. A &uot;survivor’s walk&uot; will take place at the start of the event, with people who have fought cancer walking the first lap of the relay. Later, participants and others will place luminaries around the track to honor people who have beaten cancer, as well as those who have died.

Organizers have signed up 19 teams so far and will continue taking registrations until the day of the relay. Team members collect pledges to raise money for research, and other sponsors will help pay for the cost of the event.

Howard said 40 percent of the money raised goes for national cancer research programs, with the rest staying in Freeborn County for local cancer programs.

Kehr said the relay is an event with relevance for just about everybody because cancer has affected so many people.

&uot;It’s touched so many lives,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s almost impossible to look at a business or a group and not be able to find somebody who could captain a team.&uot;

For more information about the Freeborn County Relay for Life, call co-chairwomen Jenny Habana (373-0319) or Kim Nelson (373-2570).