New faces bring excitement to Relay for Life

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Stacy Lufkin is a breast cancer survivor. She learned of the cancer when she went in for her first routine mammogram at 40.

When she went in for the test, she wasn’t worried. Her family had no history and she was healthy. So, it was a shock when the mammogram found something.

Four years later Lufkin is a cancer survivor and her experience has ignited a passion to make a difference. This year that passion led her to take on the chair position of the Rosemount Relay for Life.

“I really became passionate about this event because all people can come and participate,” said Lufkin.

This year there are a lot of new faces on the committee. Lufkin said it is a vibrant group with a lot of energy. The 16th Rosemount Relay for Life will take place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. June 22 at Rosemount High School.

The Relay for Life raises money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The ACS uses the proceeds to fund research, preventative screenings and care for cancer patients. Last year 27 teams participated and raised $27,000 for the ACS.

Teams can consist of friends, neighbors, coworkers or anybody else who wants to band together and walk. Teams collect money prior to the event. The Relay is really the celebration at the end of the fundraising.

Lufkin said this year they hope to raise $30,000. To do that they have to get people excited about being part of the event. The committee has a lot planned to get people excited.

Emily Ruggles is heading up the activities committee and said they plan to have things going all night in hopes of keeping people engaged.

“We’ve got a lot of exciting activities planned. We hope to get people excited to stay all night,” said Lufkin.

The relay is held overnight as a symbol of the fact cancer never sleeps and fighting it is a continuous battle. As part of the relay, teams commit to having at least one walker on the track for the whole 12 hours. Participants can put up a tent and relax while they aren’t walking. Ruggles said the feeling of community that pops up in the tent village is a big part of the fun.

So far 26 teams, with more than 100 individuals, have signed up to participate this year. Myrna Sens said they hope to recruit more in the coming weeks. Anyone can participate.

Additionally, the committee is looking for cancer survivors to take part in the annual event. Each year the relay starts with a lap for survivors. Survivors walk the first lap while family and friends cheer them on. It’s a poignant part of the evening. Before the start of the relay survivors will be honored during a special dinner catered by Rudy’s Redeye Grill.

Sens said survivors who plan to attend should contact her soon so they can have enough t-shirts made. Call Sens at 651-423-4872 or email sensnanaof9@aol.com.

For more information about the Rosemount Relay for Life call Lufkin at 651-322-5250. Information is also available online at relay.acsevents.org.

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