Why I Relay.....

Mandy Redder: I Relay 1. To help raise money to fight cancer. 2. So others may live. 3. Because so many family members had cancer.

Carla Strawn: I myself had cancer, so I want to help out all I can. I was given a second chance, so I am here to help anyone out. It is hard to go through this alone so I believe I am here for a reason.

Barb Srisongkham: 1. To raise money for cancer research. 2. To better chances of survival for future cancer patients. 3. Because my pain doesn’t begin to equal some of the pain and suffering cancer patients endure.

I am involved with a Relay for Life team because I know first hand how cancer affects families. I hope that one day no one will ever again hear the devastating words "you have cancer." I relay because there is always hope. Hope for a cure, hope for prevention, hope for healing.

Rose Keller: My first experience with cancer came when my Mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Working at Auglaize Family Practice continues to remind me off all the  people who continue to fight for their lives due to cancer. These are just some of the reasons why I do Relay!

Gary Webb: Because! You won’t let me leave.

Deb Osborne: I Relay to support those who face cancer. Also for those who have lost their battle with cancer, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. I know that I can make a difference, by committing to help save lives. I can do this by recommending a co-worker, loved one, or even a neighbor get a colonoscopy or a mammogram.

Jeremy Boday: I Relay because my Grandma past away from breast cancer. We were both very close. I wanted to do something in her memory. I also Relay because I don’t want my kids to go through the same pain that I went through.

Ty Doty: This is our 3rd year having a Relay Team, American Trim/Knoch. Tracy & I decided to try this as our Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer several years ago. We felt that getting a team together would be a great way for all of the family to be involved while contributing to a very important cause.

Jackie Hagar: My husband of 50 years is my reason to relay. After an elevated PSA result our family doctior referred us to a specialist. This was in 2000. Thanks to early detection he was treated with the latest method for his cancer. He waas lucky the treatment worked real well. No chemo was necessary just radiation treatments. Now 8 years later he is still cancer free, I have since lost a 37 year old nephew, whom left a wife and two children. I have a first cousin who will never see her son married or more grrandchildren. This is just a few of many friends whom have not been so lucky. Research and early detection are very important.

Sue Williams Fox: I became a part of Relay the very first year that we had one in Auglaize County to celebrate the survival of my first and only grandchild, who had been diagnosed with a very rare cancer at age 1. Since that time it has become a family celebration each year as we recount our blessings and reach out to help others who have been, or may be, diagnosed with one of most dread diseases of our time.

The relay is a wonderful time for reflection as we see people that we meet there each year. Occasionally we find some who are struggling, so we can offer a friendly smile or word of encouragement. Sometimes we look for those we have celebrated in other years but find that they have gone on to a place where pain can no longer harm them, and we are compelled to work a little harder to find the cure.

Why do I relay? Many reasons keep me coming again and again, but helping others is the key.

Jacob Dodds (age 11): I’m the captain of my team -- TSC’s Purple Stars. We fly like the wind around the track raising money and bringing hope. I care so much because I was there once.

I don’t remember the pain like a knife

I can’t feel the fear that grabs and won’t let go

I hear it in stories, I see it in pictures

When I go to the hospital I don’t want to stay

I don’t want to remember, don’t want to see

That is why I relay

So others won’t have to know, remember, feel ...

Tammy Danner: I relay because it is a great cause. I have lost loved ones to this disease. Finding a cure is very important for this and future generations. If we can educate our kids now to take care of their bodies; it might help them be healthier and we might not have as much cancer as we have now.

Sandy Berg: I am a survivor. My mother is a survivor. Two of my best friends are survivors. Fellow workers and members of their families are survivors. Many of my customers are survivors or are currently in the process of surviving. Old acquaintances, new acquaintances and people I’ve never even met are surviving today because of the research being done with the money raised by Relay. Is there any other reason?