Relay For Life Hosting Cancer Survivor Event At Glenwood Lake Park

Mills County Relay for Life is hosting a cancer survivor recognition and family fun day at Glenwood Lake Park from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. The event will include kids games, dinner, luminaria, and survivor and caregiver recognition.

“We added the kids games to hopefully add a new generation to it and as a time to display the luminaria,” said RFL committee member Kathy Reisner.

There will be an additional survivor recognition included in the intermission of the Keep On Push’n REO Speedwagon Tribute Band performance Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Luminaria bags in honor or in memory of a loved one can be purchased prior to the event for $10. Some bags will also be available the day of the event. The dinner will be at the Zeum and is open to all with a free-will donation. Survivors eat free.

Relay for Life began in Glenwood in the late 1990s. Over time, the event has evolved and changed locations, but the goal of supporting those impacted by cancer has continued. In recent years, there has been a lull in participation that committee members hope can be resolved. One effort was through their earlier Fun Pianos event.

“We’re just trying to keep the Relay for Life alive,” committee member Kristin Kates said. “This year, we just came up with some new stuff to try and our first one was a huge success. We had a great time with that.”

The funds raised by Relay for Life support efforts for the American Cancer Society. In the local area, this primarily supports Road to Recovery rides for appointments and free lodging at the Hope Lodge. Funds also support cancer research efforts.

For some, there is less motivation to volunteer or attend events without a personal connection. Committee member Sue Peters asks that individuals reflect on the effects of cancer in their lives and those of loved ones.

“I’m sure every single person, you all have been impacted in some way from cancer,” Peters said. “It has not run its course, we have to keep doing something to try to help.”

To continue a strong presence and improve future events, they hope to gain more volunteers. This can include fundraising teams or committee members directly.

“We’d love to have more people on the committee,” Reisner said. “We could do more if we had more people.”