Locals Brave The Weather to Support Relay for Life

A small but energized crowd braved some nasty weather Saturday evening for the La Grange Relay for Life.

But it almost didn’t happen this year. Organizers called a meeting back in January to gauge public interest in keeping the event alive. They ultimately set the Relay for April 20 on the courthouse square. But as Saturday approached, the weather forecast called for cold wind and rain.

“We thought we’d just put the luminarias out and no one would show up,” said Event Chair Glenda Munsch. “But since people showed up, we decided to go ahead and do it.”

About two dozen folks showed up for the opening ceremony just after the first round of showers passed over La Grange on Saturday. A few more trickled in as the event got under way.

Lisa Muras led the crowd with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem followed by a prayer. She asked the Lord to give comfort to cancer patients and their caregivers, and to guide researchers toward a cure.

Becky Snyder spoke about the history of Relay for Life. The international fundraising event started in 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt, a colorectal surgeon from Tacoma. Washington, decided to raise money for his local chapter of the American Cancer Society, by walking and running around a track for 24 hours. Supporters donated money to walk and run alongside him. Dr. Klatt walked and ran more than 83 miles and raised more than $27,000 Volunteers began organizing similar events in other communities around the country. Groups of friends and businesses form relay teams in friendly competition to raise money at their local events. It has become the biggest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Today, there are more than 3,000 Relays held annually across the world.

Snyder said the original 24-hour format included a break at some point in the middle of the night, when a speaker would talk about the darkness that cancer patients experience when they learn of their diagnosis. At sunrise, participants would pause again to reflect on the symbolism of the new day’s light and hope for a cure.

After the speeches, the La Grange Relay got underway with the Survivor’s Lap. The crowd lined up and cheered as local cancer survivors and their caregivers took the first steps around the Square.

Many communities shortened their events to attract greater participation. Still, participation has waned over the years for a variety of reasons. Like many annual events, the COVID shutdowns greatly impacted Relay for Life.

“We went from having 40-something teams years ago to only four or five teams,” said Munsch. “It kind of sad, because so many more people have cancer. People are diag-nosed every day, and a lot of people right here in Fayette County, unfortunately.”

Munsch said local organizers hope to grow the event and hold it again next year.

“We’re asking every team here to find another team to come out next year,” she said.