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community focus and volunteerism Relay offers everyone a way to get involved As the signature event of the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life is about a community coming together in the fight against cancer. For LaGrange County, Indiana, this meant making sure every community member had a chance to take part A Special Needs Relay was held in March for disabled students. Approximately 200 kids took part in the event, raising more that $1,000 while enjoying games and a lunchtime luminaria ceremony. "It was a pretty neat event and just one more way LaGrange County tries to be inclusive," said Marty Kiskaden, ACS community representative.
The Amish donated a variety of items, such as handmade quilts. The auction raised more than $10,000 while giving the Amish, who make up one-third of the county's population, a chance to participate. The community outreach continued when Sue Keenan, a physical education teacher at Lakeland High School, came up with the idea to invite her classmates, the class of 1967, to the Relay For Life for their 40th reunion. "I began to get responses back from survivors in my class who thought it was a good idea," said Sue. "Out of 119 kids in my graduating class, we had 45 come back." To spark student involvement, Marty came up with the idea of Relay letter jackets. Each student had to raise $500 to earn a Relay For Life foot emblem. Next year's letter will be a Relay For Life ribbon and the third letter will be a round ACS logo patch. The jackets were a success, with a dozen students from the three high schools in the county earning a foot. "If it wasn't for the students participating, I don't think our Relay would be nearly as productive," said Sue, who is in charge of the nearly 30 student teams at Lakeland High School.
"It's really important to me to know that we are making a difference in our area so people know exactly what the ACS has to offer, not only for the patient, but for their family," said Suzanne.
Relay For Life brings together people from all walks of life with the common goal of eliminating cancer. No matter who you are, there's a place for you at Relay. Call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345 to find a Relay For Life near you. | |
LaGrange County's main Relay kicked off in June with a "Prelay" live auction. "We really wanted to get the Amish community involved and let them know the American Cancer Society was there for them too," explained Suzanne Priestley, mission delivery specialist and chairman of the event. 
The county's award-winning mission delivery committee is dedicated to educating the community about the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society. A rally was held to increase awareness about Road to Recovery, which provides transportation for cancer patients to their treatments. Onsite hair donations were made possible and the Look Good…Feel Better program, which teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during treatment, was highlighted during the event. |
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