“My oldest daughter died of cancer when she was 32 and left three small children, which was a big conflict for me, being a survivor and then losing a daughter,” Lasley said.
She said she does Relay because of the potential advances in cancer treatment to keep patients alive. Her daughter was unable to continue chemotherapy treatment because she could not get her blood chemistry up, but now there is a serum that will prevent that from happening.
“I do this so maybe other mothers can survive to raise their children,” Lasley said.
As he spoke with a deep and resonating voice, it was hard to believe Relay Committee Member Dwight White was diagnosed with cancer of the vocal chords almost four years ago.
“I knew God wasn’t going to let me die of cancer and still have two young children to raise,” White said.
After he needed help and received it, he decided to give back. While still going through radiation therapy, White participated in his first Relay.
“When a person is struggling with cancer and you have a bunch of people out here doing stuff like this, it definitely makes you feel better,” White said.
As cancer survivors rounded the track, those standing to the side cheered them on. To further uplift cancer patients, Laura Townsend of McHenry decided to feature her charity, Albums of Hope, in honor of her husband, who passed away at Easter. She said they donate pocket-sized albums filled with scenic pictures and uplifting quotes to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
She said people should participate in Relay “to find a cure for cancer so other people don’t have to go through what my husband went through.”
To remember those lost to cancer, near the track Christmas lights lit up a “Memory Board” covered in pictures and handwritten notes to those who passed. As part of the symbolism of conducting the Relay for Life overnight to represent the journey and emotions cancer patients face, luminaria — illuminated paper bags — line and light the path of the track after darkness sets in. The Luminaria Ceremony is a time of remembrance for Relay participants as each luminaria bears the name of someone who has fought or is fighting cancer.
“They really run the gamut as far as the emotions go,” said Krista Wynes, referring to the Luminaria Ceremony. “There’s a lot of joy for the survivors that are still with us ... and there’s a lot of sadness for the people that we have lost the fight against cancer to.”
Even with the heat and humidity, Stacy Dutton, American Cancer Society staff partner, said there were more than 500 people at Relay for Life, including 40 Relay teams.
“A good friend of myself just said the other day, ‘The heat nor the rain is nothing like chemo so we can give one night of our lives to sweat it out together’,” Dutton said.
As the teams raise funds year-round, Dutton said they have raised more than $99,000 for cancer research and patient services. With more counting ahead, she said they were well on their way to reaching their goal of $150,000.
“Thank you to the Knox County community. They come through every year in the fight against cancer,” Dutton said.
Before the final lap at 8 a.m., Relay team members will continue to walk through the night. Josie Nickas of Woodhull is participating in her first Relay with a team from AlWood High School. She said it felt good to give back and that Relay was important because she lost her grandmother and grandfather to cancer.
“For all the people that are fighting for cancer, keep fighting. And for those who didn’t make the fight, they’re in our prayers and we remember you,” Nickas said.
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