RELAY FOR LIFE
Cancer isn’t in recession; join in the recovery Times are tough. We can’t turn on the television or read the newspapers without hearing about the economic challenges our country, our region and our town is facing. Unfortunately, one entity that is not affected by this recession is cancer. Cancer does not care if stocks are up or down. Cancer is a constant. Cancer never sleeps. It knows no limits. That’s why it is important now to continue efforts to eliminate this disease. As a community, we must to continue to rally together to help eliminate this disease that has affected so many of us. Now more than ever those who are battling cancer need our help. I challenge all Southern Illinoisans to come together and help in the fight against the disease that has claimed too many lives. There are several ways to help the American Cancer Society achieve its mission of eliminating cancer; you can donate your time, money, service or participate in a Relay For Life, to name a few options. If you’d like to find out how to get involved with the American Cancer Society and fight back against cancer, please call 618-998-9898, option 3. — Cheryl Endres, American Cancer Society volunteer, communications council chair, Southern Regional Board of Directors
On the cover: Natalie Moreno (from left) of Sterling, Maria Starr of Centralia, Beverly Sensel of Centralia and Donna Wooters of Centralia lead the survivors lap during the Relay For Life of Jackson County Carbondale on April 25, 2009 at Carbondale Community High School. (Photo by Southern Illinoisan Paul Newton.)
The American Cancer Society’s
Relay For Life So much more than a walk to raise money BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
Coming soon to a park or athletic track near you is an event that brings together hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of people for a night of walking, sharing stories, remembrance and fundraising all with a single purpose: Fighting cancer. Throughout the spring and summer, 19 American Cancer Society Relay For Life events will take place in Southern Illinois, each designed to fight back against the disease, a malady that claims more than 6,000 lives in the region each year. One organizer said the Relays have become popular events nationwide because of the impact of cancer. “I think it is really unlike any other event,” said Gena Stack of Carbondale. Stack has participated in several Relay For Life events, and this year is captain of a team from University Housing at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. “Cancer touches so many people, it’s hard to find someone whose life hasn’t been affected by cancer,” Stack said. “Relay For Life has
PROVIDED
Noma Suckoll, Pepper Frost and Shirley Howe found some fun in the wacky hat contest at the 2009 Relay For Life of Williamson County in Herrin.
a level of universal appeal and camaraderie.” Stack will be one of an expected 17,000 area residents to participate in 2010 Relay For Life events, Andrea Butler, a staff partner with the American Cancer Society said. “We’ll probably have up to 550 teams in Southern Illinois, and we hope to raise $1.6 million in our
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Page 2 April-July 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
area,” Butler said. She added that the Relay For Life season kicks off with the Jackson County Relay on April 24 and concludes with the Perry County event in early July. Last year, 207 Relays were held statewide, raising more than $17.6 million. Each Relay For Life is unique, but all of the events share some common
• To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618-997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
characteristics. All of the Relays are an overnight event designed to bring awareness to the fight against the disease and to encourage those battling cancer as well as their caregivers. There is also a time to remember those who lost their battles with cancer. “You’ll see hundreds of people gather together to celebrate, to remember and to
• To place a display ad: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6. • Materials provided by: The American Cancer Society
RELAY FOR LIFE
PROVIDED
Participants walk a lap in silence during a previous Luminaria Ceremony at the Relay For Life of Washington County.
fight back against cancer,” Butler said. Stack said that the emotions of the event vary during the night. “At first, everyone is excited and upbeat,” she explained. “We start with a survivor lap, where those who have defeated cancer are honored. Then the second lap is with caregivers. It can be quite emotional.” She said the term “caregiver” means anyone who has encouraged, helped, visited or prayed for a cancer patient. About dusk, luminaria lining the track are lighted and lights are turned off. The luminaria are in honor of anyone ever diagnosed with cancer, who is living or deceased.
“The candles are lit, and all of the names are read,” Stack said. “It’s a very solemn time to remember people and focus on the reasons we’re all participating in the Relay For Life.” Many of the events also feature a Fight Back Ceremony, where participants are encouraged to pledge to do things to help prevent cancer such as watching their diets, getting frequent exercise and getting regular medical check-ups. One of the main focuses for the teams is raising funds to further research, education, advocacy and pateint services. “There is no charge to participate or walk, but
most of the teams will do fundraising before the event,” Butler said. “They’ll do things as small as asking friends to make a donation, to bake sales, to spaghetti dinners.” She added that teams have held car washes, organized poker runs or other special events. Many teams will offer games or concessions during the Relays, as well. “Teams do whatever interests them,” she added. Both Butler and Stack said the events are open to the public and that anyone can walk a few laps and encourage others. “It’s a fun and exciting night,” Stack said. “There will be bands, games and contests, entertainment and food all night long.”
PROVIDED
Team Rascals makes its presence known in a Relay For Life of Franklin County.
The Southern Illinoisan April-July 2010 Page 3
RELAY FOR LIFE
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Months after Kristen Mifflin (left) of West Frankfort graduated from high school, her mother, Renee Mifflin, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Battle buddies Family and friends team up to win the fight Page 4 April-July 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
Like Relay For Life, the fight against cancer is a team event. While teams of 10 or more will walk at organized Relay events this year across Southern Illinois to raise support and funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services, other teams are battling the disease in a very personal arena. Many survivors of the disease credit their team members — those who support and care for them on a daily basis — with helping them through one of the
RELAY FOR LIFE toughest challenges of their lives. Renee Mifflin of West Frankfort credits the support she received from her daughter, Kristen. Renee was diagnosed with breast cancer only two months after Kristen graduated from high school. Renee says her daughter became a constant source of comfort and support, as well as encouragement. “There were times I just wanted to give up,” Renee said. “When I was sick from the treatments and thought I just couldn’t do it anymore, but she kept telling me that I could keep going.” Renee went through a variety of tests and procedures including more than 25 doses of chemotherapy. Even after treatment and a declaration of remission, there remain regular visits to doctors and tests. Kristen has gone with her mother to all of them. “My mother has been with me through my own health problems,” Kristen said. “This has been my way of paying her back. It’s just my turn to be the caregiver.” Kristen said she would often stay awake until 3 a.m. with her mother who often could not sleep. “Many nights Mom would climb into bed with me just to be close,” she said. “She always told me that I gave her the extra ‘umph’ she needed.” Renee says the support of her daughter was vital. “It helped so much to have someone go through it with you; someone who is really close to you,” she said. Medical professionals say the support of family and friends plays a large
‘It makes a huge difference. It’s so important for patients to have someone that they can count on and rely on through each step. It’s a hard fight, and often people who have cancer feel like they’re alone in the fight, so having someone even just to hold their hand is so important.’ DR. ANDY RIFFEY FAMILY PRACTITIONER IN VIENNA
role in the treatment of cancer patients. “It makes a huge difference,” Dr. Andy Riffey, a family practitioner in Vienna, said. “It’s so important for patients to have someone that they can count on and rely on through each step. It’s a hard fight, and often people who have cancer feel like they’re alone in the fight, so having someone even just to hold their hand is so important.” Eddie Usher of Herrin was lending all of the encouragement and support he possibly could as his wife, Janet, began her battle with breast cancer in 2006. Four months into the fight, he learned that he also had cancer. “In the midst of it, I was diagnosed with cancer, too,” he recalled. “It was a very frustrating and disappointing time.” Eddie said the couple leaned on their faith, friends and family and, of course, each other.
“We just supported one another. There was a time when we were going to treatments and doctors and more treatments all of the time,” he said. “I went with her, and she would go with me.” He said both cancers were discovered in their early stages, and today both are cancer free. The couple will both be participating in the survivor and caregiver laps at the Relay For Life of Williamson County Herrin this year. “She helped me, and I like to think that I helped her,” Eddie said. We count ourselves very fortunate, both for the recoveries and for having each other.” He said having one another to lean on was a key to their battles with cancer. “I think it is really important that you have someone around to talk to and to support you,” he explained. Riffey said medical research has proven the point. “Anybody who has a buddy will do much better through any kind of cancer and the treatments for it,” Riffey said. “That’s why we see so many cancer support groups. They really work and are so important to give people the information and support that they need.” It’s something that Renee Mifflin said she learned firsthand. “Having Kristen support me has made us so much closer, since we’ve shared something so traumatic,” she said. “For her to always be there when I needed it, I feel like we can do anything together now. We’re there for each other.”
Patient services: What the ACS can do for you Reach to Recovery and Support for Recovery: When people first find out that they have — or might have — cancer, they may feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, and alone. Our Reach and Support programs match new referrals with trained survivors based on similar diagnoses, treatments and other various factors such as age, life status, and cultural background. Look Good … Feel Better: Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. This program is free and teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Wig Closet: Housed at the local American Cancer Society office in Marion, the Wig Closet offers free wigs to cancer patients. There are also branches of the Wig Closet in Fairfield at The Medicine Shoppe Home Medical Equipment (call Lucy Potts at 618-8422531), Mount Vernon at the Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, and in Metropolis at Split Ends (call Sherry at 618-5244749). Transportation Solutions: Road to Recovery is a free service offered in which volunteer drivers provide cancer patients transportation to and from cancer treatment and treatment-related
PROVIDED
Ryan Grumish of Carbondale participates in an activity during the 2009 Relay For Life of Jackson County in Carbondale.
appointments. When Medicaid Transportation is an option, ACS will assist with paperwork and setting up rides for the patient so they don’t have to worry about the hassle. When neither of these options are suitable, other resources may be available to qualified applicants to help patients and families off set the burden of high fuel prices. Personal Health Manager: The kit can help you learn about your type of cancer, treatment and side effects, organize your cancer information, keep track of test results, doctors appointments, and medications and organize your medical bills and insurance information. Case Management: Staff
DETAILS For cancer information or support services or if you have questions, call 618-998-9898, ext. 3 or 800-227-2345.
at the Marion ACS office can help patients through a variety of situations. We offer information on virtually any kind of cancer and/or treatment. We can help find available financial resources, help a patient navigate through the Medicaid or Social Security Disability application and appeal process when necessary, and help with other questions when they arise.
The Southern Illinoisan April-July 2010 Page 5
RELAY FOR LIFE
Survivor and/or Caregiver Registration To register online, go to www.thesouthern.com/health Relay For Life in Southern Illinois, is just around the corner! Relay is a community event that raises funds to support the vital research, education, advocacy and patient services of the American Cancer Society. The event is held overnight at various locations around our region. First Name: __________________________ Last Name: __________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ______________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________________________________ E-Mail: ______________________________________________________________________ Please contact me about free cancer patient/family services and programs available through the American Cancer Society. Please check the event(s) at which you will attend and want to register to walk:
Carbondale Centralia Franklin Hamilton Hardin/Pope
Herrin Jefferson Marion Massac Murphysboro
Perry Randolph Salem Saline/Gallatin Union
Wabash Washington Wayne/Edwards White
Please complete the following additional information Gender: Male Female T-Shirt Size: YS YM YL
S
M
L
Are you a cancer Survivor? YES NO Are you/have you ever been a cancer Caregiver? YES
XL XXL XXXL
NO
My Most Recent Diagnosis Is/Was: (Please check) Breast Prostate Colon/Rectal Skin
Lung
Other
If other: ______________________________________________________________________ Date of Diagnosis: (mm/dd/yyyy): ____________________________________________ Please circle the race with which you most closely identify: African-American Black Asian American – Indian/Alaskan Native Caucasian/White Hispanic/Latino Pacific Islander Other To pre-register, please send this form to:
American Cancer Society 4503 W. DeYoung, Suite 200C Marion, IL 62959 Fax 618-997-8456 Or call your American Cancer Society office at 618-998-9898, option 3. *Survivor T-shirts are available upon check-in at your local Relay event.
Page 6 April-July 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
PROVIDED
Cade Starrick and Justus Lee pal around at a Relay For Life of Williamson County in Marion.
Upcoming Relays Relay For Life of Southern Illinois is set to take place at 19 locations throughout our region. More than 17,000 participants and volunteers make these events possible. To get involved, call Fran Miley at 618-998-9898, option 3. Here are the upcoming Relays: Jackson County-Carbondale: Saturday, 5 p.m.-5 a.m., Carbondale Community High School, Bleyer Field Washington County-Nashville: May 7, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Nashville Grade School Randolph County-Sparta: May 14, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Sparta Community Airport Williamson County-Marion: May 14, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Harry Lee Crisp Sr. Sports Complex Massac County-Metropolis: May 21, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Fort Massac State Park Hardin/Pope Counties-Elizabethtown: June 4, 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Hardin County High School Jefferson County-Mount Vernon: June 4, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Mount Vernon Community Airport Hamilton County-McLeansboro: June 4, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Hamilton County Courthouse Square
Wabash County-Mt. Carmel: June 4, 7 p.m.-7 a.m., Mt. Carmel High School Marion County-Centralia: June 11, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Evers Field Jackson County-Murphysboro: June 11, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Murphysboro High School football field Saline/Gallatin Counties-Eldorado: June 18, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Eldorado High School Sports Complex Union County-Anna: June 18, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Anna City Park/Fairgrounds White County-Carmi: June 18, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Bradshaw Park Williamson County-Herrin: June 18, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Herrin High School football field Franklin County-West Frankfort: June 25, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Frankfort Community Park Marion County-Salem: June 25, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Marion County Fairgrounds Wayne/Edwards Counties-Fairfield: June 25, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Fairfield Leo French Park Perry County-Du Quoin: July 9, 6 p.m.6 a.m., Du Quoin High School
RELAY FOR LIFE
In the midst of recovery, this cancer patient becomes a leader BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
A year ago, Murphysboro’s Kathy Guetersloh knew about the Relay For Life events and thought they were a nice way of people supporting cancer patients and raising funds. But in the middle of last year’s Relay For Life season, the events suddenly became more important to her. “I went in for a routine mammogram last spring,” Guetersloh said. “They found something, and within days I was getting biopsies and more. I went from having a mammogram to within months having both breasts removed, treatments, chemo, all of it.” This year, Guetersloh, having never been involved in Relay For Life before, is the captain of “The Pink Posse,” a team made up of her friends who supported her during her fight with cancer. The team will participate in the Jackson County event Saturday. “They were all very instrumental in my chemo and my surgeries. They were so supportive throughout my recovery,” she said. “We’ve all had an interest in Relay
For Life, but now that one of us has gone through breast cancer, it brought it all home to us.” She said statistics say one of every eight women will have breast cancer. “When eight of you are friends, you look around and, it makes it so real,” she said. Guetersloh said she became captain of the team almost by default. “I hesitate to say default, because that makes it sound like no one else wanted to do it. That’s not the case. It’s just that I had the cancer, so I am the captain,” she said. Guetersloh said her husband named the team after the friends took a limousine tour of Southern Illinois wineries together after Guetersloh’s recovery. “He rented the limo as a surprise, and all of us girlfriends enjoyed the wine trail,” she said. “We all dressed in pink, so he called us The Pink Posse.” As captain, Guetersloh is working to communicate with her team members and encouraging them to get ready for the event. “The biggest thing right now is organizing,” she said. “We’re all working on getting pledges from
people, meeting with people and getting ready for the walk.” Veteran captains like SIUC Housing’s Gena Stack, say their role is just one of communicating. “The biggest thing is to encourage people to raise funds and to communicate with them and keep them excited,” Stack said. She explained that planning for next year’s Relay For Life begins shortly after the current event concludes, and that captains and organizers will meet regularly for as many as eight months leading up to the walk. Guetersloh said she and coworkers talked about the event 12 months ago. Now she’s a participant and a survivor. “I looking forward to the Relay For Life, but it’s bittersweet,” she said. “I’m still recovering so it’s very emotional for me, so CHUCK NOVARA / THE SOUTHERN Kathy Guetersloh is a cancer survivor and will be a team emotional I really can’t put it into captain in this year's Relay For Life of Jackson County. words. It’s surreal.”
Can you prevent cancer? Did you know nearly one-third of all cancers can be prevented by following the American Cancer Society’s guidelines on nutrition and physical activity? Eat a variety of healthful foods with an emphasis on plant sources.
Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. Choose whole grains in preference to processed (refined) grains and sugars. Limit consumption of red meats, especially those
high in fat and processed. Adopt a physically active lifestyle. Engage in at least moderate activity for 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week; 45 minutes or more on the weekends
The Southern Illinoisan April-July 2010 Page 7
RELAY FOR LIFE
Luminaria The luminaria at Relay For Life events are simple, but the meaning and memories behind each and every one of the lighted memorials is significant. As a part of each Relay, individuals and businesses sponsor a luminaria — often a decorated bag holding a candle — in honor of someone fighting cancer or for someone who lost their battle with cancer. The luminaria line the walking track for the Relay. “It’s just a $5 donation, but it means so much for a cancer survivor to see their name on a bag and see who the donor was or to see one in honor of a family member. It just shows some one remembers and cares,” said Wayne Miller, co-chair of the Relay For Life of Union County. At each Relay, the luminaria are lighted during a candlelight vigil ceremony, as the names are either read aloud or scroll on a large screen. “If you come to tears easily, I guarantee you’ll shed a tear during the ceremony,” Miller said. “In fact, even if you don’t tear easily, you’ll probably still shed a tear. It’s not that it’s a sad ceremony; it’s just very emotional.” Luminaria can be purchased at the Relay For Life events or in advance using the adjacent form. — Les O’Dell
Page 8 April-July 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
Relay For Life in Southern Illinois, is just around the corner! Relay is a community event that raises funds to support the vital research, education, advocacy and patient services of the American Cancer Society. The event is held overnight at various locations around our region. Luminaria (lit candles in white paper bags) will line the walking track and are lit in honor of cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer. The Luminaria Ceremony begins at around dusk, and the community is invited to attend. If you would like to pay tribute to a loved one and join the fight against cancer, please complete the form below. For more information about luminaria or specific events, contact your local American Cancer Society at 618-998-9898, option #3.
Yes, I’d like to honor a loved one. In Honor of: __________________________________________________________ Living:
Deceased:
Purchaser: ____________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________________________ E-Mail: ________________________________________________________________ $5.00 (minimum) per luminaria bag for a total of: $ ______________________ Please make your check payable to the American Cancer Society. Send your check and this form to: American Cancer Society, 4503 West DeYoung, Suite 200C, Marion, IL 62959.
Luminaria can only be displayed at only one event. Please check your location request:
Carbondale Centralia Franklin Hamilton Hardin/Pope
Herrin Jefferson Marion Massac Murphysboro
Perry Randolph Salem Saline/Gallatin Union
Wabash Washington Wayne/Edwards White