Why Relay for Life; What to Know About the Upcoming Event

LaGrange, MO — On Saturday, April 18th, Lewis County will join together at Washington Park in LaGrange to participate in ‘Relay for Life’. As the event will take place from 4-8 PM. With music, games, food, A luminary ceremony, the “Survivor & Caregiver Walk” and more. Multiple committee members, and survivors discussed why ‘Relay for Life’ Means so much and how it helps.

Interview with Heather Jarvis (Caregiver, Team Leader, and Relay for Life of Lewis County Committee Member)

Why do you and your family and friends Relay?  

Team LIV’N IT UP, established in 2005, participates in the Relay for Life of Lewis County in honor of our daughter, Olivia, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of four. Olivia spent 2 1/2 years of her life getting chemotherapy treatments at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Blessing Cancer Center. We also Relay for our loved ones, especially our (late) beloved Grandma Bonnie, many friends and family in our community who have been touched by or fought hard and lost their battle to cancer. We want to see a cure, and by raising funds, we hope to see that come to light.

What is Camp Sunrise?

Camp Sunrise is a place for kids with cancer and their families to have fun and enjoy a summer camp experience in a safe atmosphere. This camp is provided free of charge by the Your American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society Camp Sunrise is offered to local children with cancer and their immediate families. It is a chance to bond and share feelings, but most importantly, to let loose and have fun. Families participate in a variety of activities, which include exploring the outdoors, arts and crafts, horseback riding, archery, boating, magic shows, and much more.

It is the mission of the American Cancer Society Camp Sunrise to provide a normal, active, and safe camp experience where children can celebrate life while living with, through, and beyond a cancer diagnosis.

Who attends Camp Sunrise?

Children living in the greater St. Louis area who are 10 years and younger that are diagnosed with cancer are invited to attend Camp Sunrise, along with their parents and siblings. The camping facilities will accommodate up to 45 families. Camp is held each year over Labor Day weekend. Families check in on Friday evening and may stay through Monday morning.

Where is Camp Sunrise located?
Families attending Camp Sunrise enjoy the activities at the serene lakeside location of YMCA Trout Lodge in Potosi, MO. All Camp families and volunteers stay in lodge rooms, which offer spectacular views of the 360-acre Sunnen Lake. Trout Lodge’s experienced kitchen staff prepare well-rounded meals throughout the day.

How much does it cost?
Camp Sunrise is funded by Your American Cancer Society, High Plains Division, so eligible families stay free.

In 2005, our family had the opportunity to attend Camp Sunrise. Olivia and her sister Abigail had a very fun time and met some new friends too.  It was nice to be a “normal” family for the weekend.

Please See website link below for more information on American Cancer Society Camp Sunrise. I’ve attached pictures of Olivia from Camp Sunrise as well.

https://hpsomo.wordpress.com/camp-sunrise/

Interview with Beth Weaver (Survivor, Team Leader, and Relay of Lewis County Committee Co-Chair)

Why do you and your friends and family Relay?

I Relay for my mom and grandma. Everyone that has been affected by cancer. I hope by relaying we will find a cure and help support those who are battling cancer of all forms.

What type of Cancer did you have?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

What services benefited you during your fight against breast cancer?

A gas card was given to me from the James E Cary Cancer Center in Hannibal, Missouri to assist with transportation costs to and from the hospital during my treatments and doctor’s visits.

• Funding Source: Funds are raised through community efforts, such as the Legacy of Hope Campaign, who partner with the American Cancer Society to which  supports cancer services.
• Purpose: The cards help reduce transportation barriers for patients needing to travel for treatments.
• Support: These resources are part of the support services offered to patients at the center.

Patients are advised to contact the Cary Cancer Center directly for information on how to apply for assistance.

Interview with Michelle Ehrenreich (Survivor, Team Leader, and Relay of Lewis County Committee member)

Why do you and your friends and family Relay?

I Relay because cancer is terrifying, and I know not everyone is blessed as I am to have an amazing supportive family. If I can be a positive light in someone’s life during their darkest time, that makes my heart happy. I also want to help raise money for research; it gives me peace of mind knowing that if I ever have to fight this battle again, the chances of winning will be even higher thanks to the progress we’re making today.

What type of Cancer did you have? 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2022. 

What services benefited you during your fight against breast cancer? 

I received help from the ACS, though it was more indirect. During my diagnosis, a speicalized test was required to determine if I would benefit from chemotherapy. Because that test is only processed in one location, the ACS provided the support necessary to facilitate that process. 

Interview with Chamar Mays Cancer Survivor, and team member and his mom, Chante Lewis, (Caregiver, Team Leader, and Relay for Life Co-Chair)

1. Why do you and your family and friends relay?

I relay because I know what it’s like to have cancer be a part of my life. My team –friends and family relay to support me and others whose lives cancer has changed. We relay to bring awareness, hope, and to fight for a cure. Our team name is Hearts of Gold –our slogan is “powered by the courage of kids”

2. What type of cancer did you have?

At age 4 I was diagnosed with a midline, diffuse glioma brain tumor. A very high grade and aggressive type of tumor – that doesn’t typically go into remission. I am fighting the effects of that every day.

3. What advice can you give to other kids who have cancer?

Be strong, be brave, and never stop believing in God’s miracles.