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June 24, 2008


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NEWS

Carroll South Relay for Life Nets $146,012.90

By Ernie Smothers
smothers@mckenziebanner.com

A youngster poses with Disney characters Goofy and Cinderella at the beautiful Disney-inspired Huntingdon Middle School campsite.

HUNTINGDON (June 20) Blessed with unseasonably mild temperatures, a huge gathering of family, friends and corporate sponsors joined a record 131 cancer survivors at Veterans Park in Huntingdon to celebrate the 2008 American Cancer Society Carroll South Relay For Life celebration.

Following welcoming remarks by event emcees Dr. Lee Carter and Dr. Tim Tucker and invocation by Lynn O’Brien, Carroll South Relay For Life Honorary co-chairs Lori Chandler and Wilma Darnall spoke passionately to the large crowd regarding their battles with cancer.

Chandler began, “I can honestly tell you that cancer has changed my life forever. I worked at Murray Outdoor Products for over 13 years and my life was normal until doctors discovered a cancerous spot on my lung while viewing x-ray results from my health physical. Then and there, things came to a stop.”

She continued, “The doctors told me that they had to act fast and scheduled surgery immediately. I couldn’t hesitate or dwell on my decision. The operation occurred one week after the cancer was discovered.”

She added, “I am grateful to say that I have been clear of cancer for five years now. I am so thankful to everyone who prayed for me and helped me make it through such a difficult time.”

Addressing the large crowd of survivors and event attendees, Darnall began, “I have stage three ovarian cancer. I was clear for two years before it recently returned. Needless to say, I have my good days and my bad days.”

She continued, “Although my battle with cancer is tough, I am here tonight to focus on the positive rather than the negative. I can’t control having cancer…but I can control it having me.”

Gathering herself, she said, “As unbelievable as this may sound to some, I can say unreservedly that having cancer has made me a better person. I am closer to my family now and treasure my friends. I’ll tell you this too… cancer is not just an individual disease-it is a disease that affects the whole family.”

Tearfully, she said, “Through trials and tribulations, I have grown in character and faith. I can’t imagine going through the battle with cancer without God.”

She continued, “I have never asked why me and I have never prayed for God to heal me. I can’t ask for healing when so many children are suffering from this disease-it would be selfish for me to do so.”

Impassioned, she added, “I want to plead with you to have regular check-ups. Early detection of cancer results in a 90-95 percent survival rate. Late detection results in a survival rate of 45-percent or less. Screenings aren’t pleasant but they are a breeze compared to what chemotherapy does to a person. I know.”

She concluded, “I want to thank those that planned this event and make this celebration possible each year. This night is filled with much meaning. I ask you to remember those who did not survive the fight with cancer and to fight beside those who continue to fight the battle. I look forward to the day when a preventative treatment is discovered and cancer will be stopped once and for all. This battle is mine… though I may not win the war… I am winning the battle.”

After the ceremonial lighting of the Flame of Hope torch, Chandler and Darnall led a record 131 cancer survivors and loved ones on the Survivors Walk.

Honorary luminaries, framing both sides of the walking trail and encircling the park, were lit at dusk to honor survivors and in remembrance of those who had lost the battle with cancer.

Members of the Huntingdon High School football team utilized golf carts to chauffer survivors who were unable to walk the course.

At the conclusion of the Survivor’s Walk, attendee’s fellowshipped and dined on delicious food available for sale at numerous camp sites.

A spectacular variety of musical entertainment and fun-filled events entertained attendees throughout the evening until a closing award ceremony capped the festivities at 7:00 a.m.

The final total raised for the event was $146,012.90.

2008 Carroll South Relay For Life Award Winners were:

Money raised by Business: third-Carroll Bank and Trust ($4,267.43); second-Norandal ($8,540.74); first-Baptist Memorial Hospital ($9,084.52).

Money raised by Church: third-Huntingdon Missionary Baptist ($5,550.00); second-First United Methodist Church Huntingdon ($8,116.76); first-Huntingdon Church of Christ ($11,443.34).

Money raised by Community: third Rich Family ($5,009.63); second-Blood, Sweat and Gears ($5,199.02); first (Huntingdon Middle School ($24,498.21).

2008 Overall Financial Wizards Grand Prize Winner: Huntingdon Middle School.

Best Campsite by Business / Industry: third-LifeCare of Bruceton; second-Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon; first-Norandal.

Best Campsite by Church: third-First Baptist Church-Huntingdon; second-First Baptist Church-Bruceton; first-First United Methodist Church-Bruceton

Best Campsite by Community: third-Team HHS; second-Rich Family; first-Blood, Sweat and Gears.

2008 Overall Campsite Grand Champions: Huntingdon Middle School.

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June 24, 2008