Over 300 people gathered at the Madison Comprehensive High School track Saturday morning for the Relay for Life of Richland County (RFL) to honor and support those affected by cancer.
“We’re here to fight back, which is what we do through our fundraising,” stated co-chair of RFL, Roselyn Ramey.
As of that morning, RFL has raised over $50,000 for cancer research and free services for cancer patients and their caregivers. That number was hoped to increase as the fundraiser continued throughout the day and into the early hours of Sunday morning. People also have the opportunity to continue donating until August 31 when the fundraiser officially closes. For more information on how to donate, go to http://www.relayforlife.org/.
Twenty-six teams participated. The teams held raffles for donated items they received or made themselves, including candles, quilts, shirts, homemade cotton candy, and many more.
Macy’s had its own team and offered various items for purchase. Macy’s has been involved with RFL since the fundraiser’s beginning in 1997.
“We wanted to give back to our community and we each have family members and friends who have been affected by cancer, which is why we wanted to get involved,” stated Dee Loescher, co-captain of the Macy’s team.
The fundraiser kicked off with the changing of the guard by a group of young Marines, followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Afterwards, cancer survivors were ushered to the track to partake in the Cancer Survivor Lap. Attendees cheered as over 100 cancer survivors walked around the track.
In addition to the Cancer Survivor Lap, the fundraiser held several other themed laps including, the Patriotic Lap, Rainbow Lap, Mascot Lap, Hollywood Lap, and more.
RFL also featured appearances by Mayor Theaker, the Newhope Dance troupe, Sosa gymnastics, cloggers, Ohio Idol, and the Clear Fork drum line.
Not to be forgotten were the several cancer survivors in attendance, and three of them shared similar stories.
Roselyn Ramey, Lenna Jamison, and Donna Corn were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Each dealt with various cancer treatments and examinations and each were pronounced cancer-free.
Ramey was diagnosed with cancer in 2005—the same year she first participated in RFL. After receiving her diagnosis in early March of 2005, she endured eight treatments. In June of that same year she was pronounced cancer-free. Encouragement has been key to her journey.
“She stated, “At the time I had three grandchildren and one on the way; if that isn’t encouragement then I don’t know what is.”
Ramey started out as the co-captain for a team within RFL and since then has become the co-chair of this event. “I love the camaraderie and seeing people come together to fight for a good cause. It’s also nice knowing you’re not alone in the battle against cancer,” she said.
Lenna Jamison, a fifth-year RFL participant, and Donna Corn, a twelfth-year RFL participant, also fought breast cancer. Jamison was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and has undergone two surgeries along with 33 radiation treatments. She is still taking follow-up medication; but, fortunately, she has since been pronounced cancer-free.
“Donna helped me a lot during the process because we used to work together and Donna had been dealing with cancer herself,” stated Jamison.
Corn, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, stated, “I’ve had a lot of family members and friends affected by cancer. My husband, who was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, passed away from the disease. But I have received a lot of support from my family and friends and I’ve left it all up to the Lord.” She then advised, “You just have to count your blessings and maintain a good attitude.”
