Members of the Seward County area light candles in bags commemorating those who have survived their battles with cancer at the Relay for Life walk at Seward High School track July 20.

Jeff Hajny

    As we move through everyday life, we face numerous challenges. We have to worry about paying our bills, going to work, cleaning the house, maintaining some form of a social life and other problems we face every day.
     Even though we worry about these problems, there are people out there who worry whether or not they will be alive the next morning. Many of these people are suffering from some form of cancer.
     On July 20 at the SHS track, the Seward County chapter of the American Cancer Society sponsored the Relay For Life event to acknowledge cancer survivors as well as award those who have contributed to the cause of finding a cure.
     The event payed tribute to over 80 cancer survivors from the area and also featured a candle lighting ceremony dedicated to those throughout the state who have battled cancer.
     This marked the 10th year of the event and acknowledge the 17 teams who worked to raise money for the benefit of trying to find a cure for cancer.
     "It was amazing. We have kids who have raised more money than the adults involved in the cause," Minette Genuchi, coordinator of the event, said, "Local sisters Rachel and Brianna Ness both raised nearly $900 a piece."
     Other major donors included Rachel Craig, who raised $502.75, and her brother cancer survivor Logan Craig, who raised (continued from 1A)
    $233. The SHS FCCLA had a team which participated in this event, and their team raised $1152. Overall, donations totalled over forty-two thousand dollars for the Seward County area.
     "This was awesome. I've been to a bunch of these, but it doesn't matter how many I go to. The turnout was great and the people, committee and community were very excited about this event," Genuchi said, "I want to thank the committee, team captains and Seward County. Without them, we couldn't have done this. Everyone I have worked with deserves a big pat on the back."
     Survivors who participated were very touched by the event.
     "This means a lot. I've been here since the first one and I guess one word to sum this up is hope....hope for finding a cure," Gloria Deremer, four-year survivor, said.
     "This is the second year I've been here. I really enjoyed myself here. Hopefully there will be a cure very soon," Kay Klundt, 11-year survivor, said.