News
Willow City holds Relay for Life event to find a cure for cancer
Scott Wagar
05/08/2012
In the midst of Willow City’s quasquicentennial year, its community is still going strong in supporting organizations which are in need of assistance.
On Sunday, Willow City held its annual Relay for Life where the event raised over $2,830 in support of cancer victims and research. The Willow City Communtiy Club then donated $2,000 to bring the total to $4,830.
Three teams participated in the event with 64 individuals walking in hope of finding a cure for cancer. This year’s teams included Willow City Community Club, Dakota College at Bottineau, and Carrie Reynolds, a one woman team out of Stanley, N.D., who came all the way to Willow City to honor a special family member.
“I will not be able to attend any events around where I live this year,” said Reynolds, who recently moved to North Dakota with her husband and children from Alaska to Stanley where her husband works in the oil fields. “So, me and my GPS drove here to support this event and honor my father.”
The participants of Willow City’s relay walked in honor of Joe Pastra, a former resident of Willow City who has been diagnosed with a brain tumors and has moved to the east coast to be closer to family members.
“The Willow City Community Club, who sponsors this event, signed a Survivor Shirt and we will be mailing that out to Joe,” said Laurie Odden, community relationship manager for the American Cancer Society in Rugby, N.D.
During the opening ceremony, 21 survivors were recognized and then lead the teams around the Red Wing Hall where the event was being held.
Lorraine Myers was this year’s honorary survivor, who is a breast cancer survivor and the keynote speaker at Sunday’s event. Myers told those at the event of the tremendous support she has received from the individuals in the Willow City area and the treatments that she received for her breast cancer.
She added that she is a survivor today because of the support Willow City and surrounding areas give to Relay for Life.
“Last year, when I walked with the survivors at this event, I didn’t really feel like a survivor,” Myers said. “This year, I am a survivor, and I want to thank each and everyone of you for your continue support of Relay for Life.”
The event in Willow City was three hours long, which provided a supper, silent auction and a Luminaria Ceremony where over 140 luminaria bags were lit with the names of friends and loved ones who have been affected by cancer.
According to Odden, the money raised by the American Cancer Society goes toward research, education, advocacy and patient services, such as Look Good Feel Better Programs, Road to Recovery Programs and Reach to Recovery Programs.
“The 1-800-227-2345 toll free number is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to answer any questions you may have; and, this is a live operator,” Odden said. “Also available is the cancer.org website, just enter in your zip code and it will list the services available.”
Willow City residents can be proud; especially when one considers that their city is one of the smallest communities’ nationwide which holds a Relay for Life event. As most small, rural towns throughout the nation are becoming ghost towns, Willow City in its 125th year is going strong in remaining steadfast in bringing a cure for cancer.
Donations for Willow City’s Relay for Life event can still be mailed to: Laurie Odden - American Cancer Society - 121 2nd Street NW, Rugby, ND 58368