By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The 94 degree temperature and 30+ mph southerly wind gusts no doubt contributed to the small crowd at Saturday’s annual Ellis County Relay For Life at the Hays Middle School track. Those who were there, however, were filled with hope, strength and passion to find a cure for cancer and ultimately, to prevent the disease.
A much larger crowd defied the hot summer weather for Friday’s 19th annual Drive Fore Cancer sponsored by Eagle Communications at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.
Kendra Dreiling is a member of the RFL Event Leadership Team and was on hand both days telling her personal story of why she volunteers.
She was a caregiver to her father, Mike Graf, the former longtime Ellis County Public Works Director who died of colon cancer in May 2015.
“In November 2013 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He fought diligently and very fiercely until the very end when he passed two years ago,” Dreiling said. “It’s your participation in these events that allowed me and my family to have those additional two years with my dad, and so we thank you very, very much.”
Cancer survivors, their caregivers and supporters were welcomed to Saturday’s fundraising walk by Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and Pastor Brant Rice, Celebration Community Church.
This year’s theme was based on Dr. Seuss with the slogan “I Don’t Like Cancer Here. I Don’t Like Cancer There. I Don’t Like Cancer Anywhere!!!”
The survivors introduced themselves and said how long they had been a cancer survivor. Survivor medals adorned with purple ribbons were placed over their necks and each person was given a carnation from members of the red-shirted Dillons RFL team.
Then it was time to start the relay with the first lap around the track. Vocalist Kylie Dinkel sang as the survivors, led by the Marine Corps League Edwin A. Schumacher Detachment, and their caregivers met halfway around the track to loud applause. Together, the two groups launched purple and white balloons into the blazing blue sky.
For the first time, Relay participants lit their own luminaries which ringed the track in honor and remembrance of those who have fought cancer. Previously, the Relay committee members activated the battery-operated candles in each paper sack, weighted against the wind with sand and wood blocks.
As dusk fell, Dreiling, a member of the Poppy’s Peeps team, and cancer survivor Jessica Jacobs talked to the audience in soft-spoken voices about their personal struggles with cancer.
Then began the solemn reading by Brenda Meder of each person’s name on the luminaries as participants continued walking laps around the asphalt track. The north stadium bench was lined with luminaries spelling “Hope.”
According to Kim Peach, American Cancer Society Community Manager, a preliminary total of more than $20,000 was raised for the Ellis County Relay For Life. “Some donations are still coming in,” Peach said. Proceeds from Friday’s golf tourney will be added to the Relay total amount. Most of the monies raised by Relay For Life, in its 32nd year nationwide, goes to cancer research by or on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
The Hyle Hugunin family was honored by Peach with a plaque for being the Relay’s honorary chairpersons.
