Severe weather doesn’t hamper Relay for Life

Despite some humid weather and late-night storms, this year’s Steele County Relay for Life was a success yet again. Thus far, the event has raised more than $101,000 for the American Cancer Society. 
Joel Born, who served as a Relay for Life tri-chair with Mary Boettger and Joel Holst, says that this will be his 15th Relay. Born says that he appreciates everyone who comes to the Relay and the volunteers’ continued dedication. “We have some of the world’s best volunteers,” Born said. 
This year, the volunteers and community went above and beyond when a storm forced the Relay to close down earlier than planned. “We got a severe thunderstorm warning at about 12:45 and suspended all activities at that time,” Born said. 
Born says that the storm hit around 1:10 and that the rain and wind continued for about an hour. Once the storm passed, Born estimates that around 20 people worked to clean up the debris and luminaries scattered across the Stele County Fairgrounds during the storm.  
Despite the weather, Born says he’s still pleased with the turnout and the volunteers’ efforts. “Even with the oppressive heat and the storm, we still raised over $101,000 so far,” Born said. “And we’re so happy with our volunteers.” Donations can still be turned in until August 31, so Born says he hopes the group can come even closer to their fundraising goal, which was $112,000 this year. 
Teams raise money for the cause prior to the event and some also hold additional activities during the Relay itself. This year, some teams sold shirts, hand-painted water bottles and balloons. Others offered concessions or activities, like face-painting and even massages during the Relay, as well. Born adds that the ability to accept credit cards at the event has also helped to boost the proceeds. The Silent Auction, which also takes place on the evening of the relay, has also brought an average of $8,000 to $10,000 in past years. This year, the Daikin Dash for Cancer, held on Saturday morning, also helped raise funds for the cause. Around 65 participants showed up for the Daikin Dash on Saturday morning. 
The Relay for Life committee also works all year long to raise funds. Born says that committee has hosted three pancake breakfasts this year and in addition to other events like spaghetti suppers. Born says that the committee members also have great appreciation for their families, who support them along the way. “I wouldn’t be here without my family,” Born said. “It’s become a family tradition.” 
Born says that it is an honor to be a part of the Relay for Life and work alongside the people who devote their time to ensuring that the event is a success. “We are dedicated,” he said. “But we also have a lot of fun with it, too.”
The Relay has three phases, “Celebrate,” “Remember” and “Fight Back.” While Born agrees that it’s important to recognize the people have been affected by cancer, he’s also excited about raising money that will go towards cancer research. 
“To me, research is the answer,” said Born. “I enjoy seeing the money we raise and seeing that we took a dig into cancer.” 
On Friday, July 17, the Relay for Life began around 6 p.m. Despite the humidity, the opening ceremonies were well-attended. The committee was recognized on stage and each of the honorary co-chairs, Michelle Miller and Joe Plemel, shared their stories. 
“I know a lot of you have had to endure more than I have,” said Miller, on Friday. “I want you to know that you inspire me.”
Miller, a wife and mother of three, was just 32 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Miller says that she discovered the lump while shaving and inquired about it during her daughter’s check-up. Soon after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, Miller is doing well and is grateful for each day she gets to spend with her family. 
“This experience has taught me many things,” Miller said, during the opening ceremony at the Relay. Miller says she’s learned to rely on her faith and to accept support from others. The experience, she says, has also been an exercise in self-acceptance. 
Miller is quick to add that her family stood by her when things were difficult and that she’s incredibly thankful for their support. Her husband, John, has been especially supportive. “I believe God knew what I needed when he gave me John,” she says. 
“This journey has also given me a sense of purpose,” Miller says. She shares her story whenever she gets the chance, in hopes of encouraging other women to be aware of changes in their body and to reach out for help when they need it. Miller has helped to counsel other women dealing with cancer and has also participated in events like the Relay for Life and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She’s even become involved with the development of a Mayo Clinic App for breast cancer patients. 
Still, Miller feels she can do more to help win the fight against cancer. “I know there’s more I can do and I’m open to what that might be,” she says. 
Plemel spoke next, first admitting that he’s a very private person. “Most people who know me probably didn’t even know I went through this,” he said, during the opening ceremony. Plemel was diagnosed with lung cancer in March of 2013 after a physical. After surgery and four sessions of chemotherapy, Plemel says he is grateful to be alive. 
“As a cancer survivor, you really realize how grateful you are,” Plemel said. Plemel says he’s grateful for his happy marriage, his three children and four grandchildren. He’s also glad that he’s been able to celebrate life’s happy milestones with his family. 
When things were rough, says Plemel, he found great support from God, his family and friends. That support, he said, made his recovery a little bit easier. 
After Miller and Plemel spoke, the honorary chairs and their families led the Survivors Lap around the fairgrounds. During the second lap, caregivers were also recognized during the Caregivers Lap. 
After dark on Friday, luminaries personalized with names of people who have dealt with cancer illuminated the fairgrounds. As families lit the luminaries together, the crowd observed thirty minutes of silence in honor of those touched by the disease. 
Born says he continues to support the Relay because the latest advances in medicine and technology are bringing researchers closer and closer to a cure. “I feel that, in the last 15 years I have been doing this, that we are really making a difference,” Born said.