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D-4 Relay for Life generates funds, hope

Bob Johnson
District 4 Relay for Life team captain
I can list dozens of retired D-4 co-workers who have died from cancer. I can list numerous who are currently working with us that are fighting or have fought the cancer battle. A group of about 10 folks have decided that they can do something to help. The way to beat cancer is through research.

That takes money.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the largest private contributor to fund cancer research grants in the world. ACS has given grants to more than 40 Nobel Prize winners. DNA mapping, PAP tests, PSA tests, and many other medical advances are directly related to grants from the ACS. Of all the grant applications sent in each year, only about 10 percent are funded. This is due to the lack of funds not that the applications are frivolous.

Our team is hoping that one day we can say that we helped to find a cure for cancer.

I know that it seems like we are constantly bugging you kind folks to buy our baked goods, get a raffle ticket, purchase a bowl of soup, or other fund raising efforts. The truth is that cancer does not stop, it does not take a rest, nor does it stop affecting our lives. Because of that this team wants to do our very best in raising funds and to find a cure.

We collected more than $6,400 last year and we hope to exceed that this year. If you can find it in your heart and pocket book to help then we thank you. Lloyd McLeod was the winner of the 17 HMR Savage Varmint rifle that the team raffled off. We thank everyone who purchased tickets but did not win. Your donation does go to a good cause.

Photos: Wendy Robinson draws the winning name for the district's Relay for Life fundraiser (top) while Lloyd McLeod shows off the rifle he won through the recent raffle (right).