The 12th annual American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Osceola County is only five weeks away; mark your calendar for the “Go For The Gold” event to be held on Friday, August 3 at the Sibley-OcheyedanHigh School track.
The special Survivor Dinner is scheduled for Monday, July 30 at the Sibley First Presbyterian Church. If you are a cancer survivor and have not received an invitation to this event by July 15, please contact any of the committee members mentioned in this article. Even if you have not responded, please know that any and all survivors are welcome; this is your special night.
Jackie Kannegieter, committee chair person, is pleased to welcome several new members to assist in the planning of this year’s Relay For Life. As announced earlier, Glenda Reinke of Spirit Lake and Pauline Van Engen of Sibley have succeeded Sherry McElroy are co-chairs of the Survivor Committee; Cindy Iedema of Sibley is the new Food chairperson; Amy Smith of Sibley has succeeded Marsha Adams and Jolene Fisher as Luminaria chairperson; and Allison Ackerman of Sibley is the recently named Entertainment chairperson.
Glenda now lives in SpiritLake, but grew up in Sibley and works atOsceolaCommunityHospital as does Pauline Van Engen. Both are cancer survivors, as well as good friends and co-workers.
Glenda was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2002 and has been involved with Relay For Life since then; also, because her daughter-in-law’s mother, Marcia Tracy, was struggling with cancer and was the honorary chair of the 2002 Relay For Life of Osceola County.
Pauline was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and had previously helped with the Relay through the OsceolaCommunityHospital team. Pauline was also instrumental in organizing a breast cancer support group in Sibley for younger ladies.
Amy Smith was asked to help Jolene Fisher with the luminarias several years ago and has now transitioned into the chairperson. Anyone needing luminarias may pick them up from any team member or at the Sibley Chamber of Commerce office at 310 9th Street. This is also the drop-off location for decorated luminarias.
Two new committee slots that were filled recently are “food” and “entertainment.” Cindy Iedema, Food chairperson, is a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2011. She recently completed her treatment and is now back full time at her job as a DHS case manager/social worker. Cindy received chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation as part of her protocol and participated in a clinical trial that involved five different drugs. Because of this, she strongly supports the research projects of the American Cancer Society. Cindy also used the American Cancer Society’s navigator at Avera in Sioux Falls to find a mentor; she was referred to Jackie Kannegieter who, in addition to support and encouragement, introduced her to the Relay For Life. Cindy wanted to get involved to give back to the community and to the American Cancer Society for all of their support through her cancer journey. Part of Cindy’s duties will include coordinating the food fund-raising the night of the Relay and making sure that we have a group to run the concession stand.
Allison Ackerman, daughter of Kelly and Julie, is a recent graduate of McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul,Minnesota with a degree in music/business. Allison has started a DJ business, Triple A Entertainment, and felt helping with Relay For Life was a good way to give back to the community and to get experience in planning an event. Allison has two grandmothers, two aunts, and cousins who have been on the cancer journey. Allison will be in charge of securing entertainment during the early evening hours that participants are walking the track. Lennis Harberts will be the DJ during the hours after the Luminaria ceremony.
In speaking with all of these new committee members, several factors tied them together—they all wanted to give back to the community in appreciation of the support they received and they all were asked by someone and said yes. Cindy also said that her strong support from family and friends and her faith sustained her. Hopefully those who don’t have family to help will know that they may turn to the American Cancer Society for help at www.cancer.org or 800-277-2345.
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