Freeborn County Relay for Life tops nation in noting survivors
Published 10:02 am Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Freeborn County ranked first in the nation for the most cancer survivors recognized per capita during the 2013 Freeborn County Relay for Life.
The fundraiser was also in the top 10 of all relays in the nation for the amount of money raised per capita, in the top 20 for the amount raised out of all relays in the state and in the top 50 for the amount raised in the Midwest, according to the organization’s leaders this week.
“It was just a great honor,” said chairwoman Diane Moore of Clarks Grove. “What’s so neat about it is how Freeborn County pulls together and how we all come around for this and honor all the survivors. We’re hoping to have another great year this year.”
The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event of the year and aims to draw survivors and the community together to raise awareness about cancer and support for research. Money raised goes to cancer research, clinical trials, a call center for patients, a visitation program for breast cancer patients amd free lodging for patients undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, among others.
Locally, the event takes place at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and incorporates people of all ages who come together for 12 hours for the same cause. Participants take turns walking around a track surrounded by luminarias dedicated to people who have fought cancer.
Moore said the Freeborn County Relay for Life raised about $164,000 in 2013, and the goal for this year is $175,000.
This year’s relay is Aug. 8.
She encouraged people to get involved through a team, committee or other volunteer position.
“There’s just so much cancer out there, and it affects so many people,” Moore said. “I don’t know anybody it hasn’t affected.”
There were 624 survivors recognized at last year’s relay.
Relay specialist Sarah Finley with the American Cancer Society, who oversees the relays in Freeborn, Mower, Dodge and Steele counties, commended the committee members in Freeborn County for their advocacy and ability to reach out to the community.
“It’s a very strong committee,” she said. “We were very pleased.”
To get involved, call Moore at 383-2918.