Relay for Life returns in person, celebrates cancer survivors

Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News
·3 min read
In its 29th year, Relay for Life for Monroe County took place at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Rd. Cancer survivor Elly Wickenheiser of Carleton and her family carried a purple banner that read, “Survivors Celebrating Life.”
In its 29th year, Relay for Life for Monroe County took place at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Rd. Cancer survivor Elly Wickenheiser of Carleton and her family carried a purple banner that read, “Survivors Celebrating Life.”

For the fighters, they walked. For the survivors, they walked. For loved ones lost, they walked.

More than 100 participants walked in this year’s iteration of the annual Relay for Life for Monroe County.

In its 29th year, the relay to benefit the American Cancer Society took place at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Rd.

After two years of virtual fundraising due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s in-person goal was to raise $85,000 in donations to be used for cancer research and to support cancer patients.

At the opening ceremony, Kristen Pilon, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, announced that more than $86,600 had been raised in donations before the event officially began.

To benefit the American Cancer Society, Lassies for Life, a group of cancer survivors, participated in this year’s Relay for Life at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Rd.
To benefit the American Cancer Society, Lassies for Life, a group of cancer survivors, participated in this year’s Relay for Life at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Rd.

“I think this is the first time we’ve hit our goal before the survivors hit the track,” she said. “We’re here today supporting survivors, those fighting cancer and those who lost the battle (but) who will not be forgotten…Together, we’re stronger than cancer.”

According to Pilon, more than 1,500 people were expected to attend the day-long celebration.

“After two years of not being able to have the event in person, I’m both nervous and excited.” she said. “Events like Relay for Life are important because it allows the community to get involved for a cause.”

The relay, which ran for 12 hours starting at noon, honored survivors during the opening ceremony.

Members of the Honor Guard at Monroe Post No. 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Monroe High School drumline led cancer survivors as they walked their annual victory lap at the Relay for Life for Monroe County.
Members of the Honor Guard at Monroe Post No. 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Monroe High School drumline led cancer survivors as they walked their annual victory lap at the Relay for Life for Monroe County.

Led by members of the Honor Guard at Monroe Post No. 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Monroe High School drumline, families and friends cheered as the cancer survivors walked their annual victory lap.

Cancer survivor Elly Wickenheiser and her family carried a purple banner that read, “Survivors Celebrating Life.”

The daughter of Joe and Mariya Wickenheiser has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since her 8th birthday.

The day’s focus was to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones lost to cancer and those fighting back with a wide variety of activities and attractions.

Wearing a purple T-shirt, Scott Assenmacher of Ida is surrounded by his family. Assenmacher, who will turn 48 in August, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease when he was 12. A little more than a year ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
Wearing a purple T-shirt, Scott Assenmacher of Ida is surrounded by his family. Assenmacher, who will turn 48 in August, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease when he was 12. A little more than a year ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

For more than two decades, Scott Assenmacher, with the support of his family, has been participating in the relays.

Assenmacher, who will turn 48 in August, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease when he was 12. A little more than a year ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

“Events like this help us support others fighting cancer and remember those we have lost. To keep up the fight, you have to have modern medicine to do it and it takes dollars to do that. Events like this is what makes it happen,” he said. “In situations like mine, I’m looking to keep pushing that clock. Maybe one day, there’ll be a cure for what I’m going through.”

Survivors in purple shirts peppered the fairgrounds. Each had their own story to share.

After moving from Iowa to Monroe four years ago, cancer survivor and fighter Jeni Peterson started participating in the annual relays.

Eight years ago, Peterson was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, a cancer that can develop anywhere endocrine cells are present. With the help of Lisa Mitchell of Monroe County, Peterson made and sold purple 100 T-shirts, each one bearing a zebra print ribbon, a symbol in the cancer world representing the rarity of Peterson’s cancer.

With the support of family and friends, cancer survivor and fighter Jeni Peterson (third from the right) participated in this year’s Relay for Life for Monroe County. Eight years ago, Peterson was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare cancer that can develop anywhere endocrine cells are present.
With the support of family and friends, cancer survivor and fighter Jeni Peterson (third from the right) participated in this year’s Relay for Life for Monroe County. Eight years ago, Peterson was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare cancer that can develop anywhere endocrine cells are present.

Throughout the event, crafters and vendors lined the walkways and a classic car show was featured outside the Expo Center.

Ericka and Garrett Lawson of Monroe set-up a candy booth to honor Ericka’s father, Erick Goes. For a donation, the couple offered bagged candy to eventgoers.

Garrett and Ericka Lawson of Monroe set-up a candy booth to honor Ericka’s father, Erick Goes. For a donation, the couple offered bagged candy to eventgoers.
Garrett and Ericka Lawson of Monroe set-up a candy booth to honor Ericka’s father, Erick Goes. For a donation, the couple offered bagged candy to eventgoers.

“My dad passed at the end of October in 2019. He had esophageal Stage 4 cancer,” she said. “We’ve been a part of the relay since 2019. We want to try to help raise money so that other families don’t have to go through what we did and watch their loved ones suffer.”

At 10:30 p.m., the annual Glow 5Kwalk/run took place. Medals were awarded for first through third places in all age groups. Prizes and awards were given for the top two male and female finishers. The Monroe Milers timed the race.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Relay for Life returns in person, celebrates cancer survivors