Relay raises nearly $30,000 in the fight against cancer

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 28 August 2012 12:50

Cancer survivors carry a banner on behalf of others during the survivors’ lap where cancer survivors and their caregivers took a victory lap around the track at the Marion Sports Aquatic Center.

Almost $30,000 was raised at the 18th annual Marion County Relay for Life event Saturday with proceeds going to benefit the American Cancer Society.

This year’s event was held inside the Marion Sports Aquatic Center with walkers circling the foyer area.

It was the first year the event was at the facility. With persistent rain showers throughout the evening, many walkers said it was a good alternative.

The total money raised in Marion County since 1997, including Saturday’s total, is $449,813 with 47 registered survivors, according to Melissa Easterberg, community manager, High Plains Division in Wichita.

During the closing ceremony, Easterberg talked about how donations have helped Kansans.

“I also spoke with Nova Bruner so that she could tell her story,” she said. “At bank night on Monday, Nova was telling me her hair was getting thin from her pancreatic cancer treatments. I told her that the society provides free wigs, hats, turbans and breast prosthetics for cancer patients.”

Bruner, her husband and daughter then went to Wichita Thursday, and by Saturday’s event she was wearing a new wig.

“I wanted everyone to know their donations are helping patients right there in Marion County,” Easterberg said.

Donations for this event can still be accepted online through Friday, Aug. 31 at: relayforlife.org/marioncoks.

A wrap-up meeting is being scheduled within a few weeks and the committee will start then for the next year.

Easterberg said she will be recruiting committee positions for 2013.

Anyone interested in joining the planning committee can call her at 316-616-6503 or write: American Cancer Society Inc., 330 S. Main, Suite 100, Wichita, KS, 67202.