Relay for Life: Making a difference

Each year, local Relay for Life Chairperson, Lisa Peterson, chooses a theme for the East Otter Tail Relay for Life.

This year she chose "I Make a Difference..." Lisa explains, "Each of us does make a difference in the fight against cancer. Our efforts produce the research funding that is resulting in terrific progress in curing cancers. Our programs help ease the difficulties of local citizens dealing with cancer. We promote legislation that produces good cancer health at all levels of government - local, county, state and federal; last week's passage of the 'Freedom to Breathe Act' is an example. We partner with the clinic and hospital to promote early detection programs and we provide programs and information at local health fairs."

Last week, the East Otter Tail Relay committee was notified that we were the top per capita fundraising Relay in Minnesota for our population group, raising an average of $3.46 for every man, woman and child in our county.

"When I heard this, I thought,'I have to change our theme. It should be WE Make a Difference. . .'" said Peterson.

"This award is the result from the work of dedicated captains and teams that hold fundraisers and sell luminaries. Most of all, it's a tribute to the generosity of our local citizens. They know we all have a role to play in defeating cancer."

You can "make a difference" by helping the Relay organizers in achieving their objectives. At a recent meeting, the team captains established several goals for the 2007 event.

35-team goal targeted

First, they want to grow the Relay to 35 teams (last year, they had 31.) They also will work to have more activities going on throughout the night. Third, they want more people to come and enjoy that evening (July 13). They also set a goal of $75,000 for the Relay, up from the $70,000 raised last year.

"It's not too late to form a team and join us! It's quite easy to do - and it's fun," Lisa notes. "We also have room on established teams for individuals to join."

Honorary chairpersons sought

There are other ways to "make a difference."

Each year we select two honorary co-chairpersons to represent all cancer survivors during the Relay; this nominee is any person who is now being treated for cancer or who has had cancer at some time in the past. Call us with your nominations.

Cancer survivors invited to dinner

Also, the Relay Survivors' Committee needs names and addresses of cancer survivors. They send these persons a special invitation to attend the Survivors' Banquet (free of charge to all survivors) and the Survivors' lap at the Relay. We also honor the "Employer of the Year" with an award at the Banquet. The committee needs nominations from the public for this award. It should be any employer - large or small - who has made special efforts to help the work environment for a person in their employ with cancer.

You can make a difference to the Relay For Life fight against cancer by supporting the fundraisers of the Relay teams. Please buy a luminary - or several - from any team member.

Finally, "We Make a Difference" by coming to the Relay for Life event. There's lots going on: ceremonies, food, tent activities, music, silent auction, and much, much more. There are thousands of luminaries lighting the track and their light guides the walkers throughout the night - a beautiful and inspiring sight.

"We make a difference - all of us - in many ways. With help from the entire community, we'll continue to be recognized for our Relay," concluded Lisa.

2007 Relay date is July 13

This year's Relay is at the Perham track on Friday, July 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, to start a team or become part of a team, to make a nomination, or in any way be part of the event, call: Lisa Peterson (346-4747) or Ron Anderson (758-2911).