WATONWAN COUNTY, Minn. (KEYC) – Relay for Life is a volunteer-led event that raises money for people with cancer and their caregivers. The nationwide effort began in 1985 and now has more than 3,000 participating communities worldwide, according to the American Cancer Society.

“We’re just a really big group of passionate people trying to raise money to find a cure for all the different types of cancer that are out there,” said Tracy Hurley, a volunteer with Watonwan County Relay for Life.

All proceeds from the various events benefit the Relay for Life movement, which sponsors cancer research, transportation for cancer patients and hotel stays.

“We have people who just give rides to strangers. Because you can call the American Cancer Society and say, ‘I only need a ride once a week or every day, and my family can’t bear to miss that much work,'” Hurley said.

The event is run almost entirely by volunteers and with the support of the American Cancer Society.

“No one on our committee is going to give up. We are committed to raising money for cancer research,” said Shirley Anderson, a volunteer with the Watonwan County Relay for Life.

Relay for Life consists of three regular events: a walk or run, a silent auction, and luminaria (paper bag lanterns).

“I think the most important thing of all is this camaraderie of all the communities coming together and really showing what a difference we can make as a group,” Hurley said.

Watonwan County Relay for Life volunteers are happy to add additional events, such as a handprint mural for cancer survivors in the area.

“It’s kind of moving to come here and see all the handprints of the people whose lives were touched by this event,” Hurley said.

Many of the volunteers and participants have been affected by cancer, either by a loved one or by themselves.

“Once you have it, you just want to help everyone,” said cancer survivor Cleo Erickson.

“Thanks to the hard work of the volunteer researchers, my mother was able to live 14 years longer than she should have and meet all three grandchildren who didn’t exist at the time. And it’s all thanks to that,” said Sami Jo Helmers-Nelson, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society.

Cancer can have far-reaching consequences, but the support and care of family, friends and neighbors can also have far-reaching consequences.

To learn more, visit Relay for Life or the American Cancer Society.

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