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Relay
for Life set for June 18, 19
Ready... set... fight cancer
Wanda
English Burnett
Editor
The festivities
of Relay for Life have grown in monumental proportions from the
first event held more than 25 years ago in Tacoma, Washington
- but the message is the same: fighting cancer.
Dr. Craig George of Health Centered Chiropractic in Versailles,
was involved in the first relay, which was just a running event
then. "It was a lot different than now, he told The
Versailles Republican. But, it was still a 24-hour event,
even though it was just a run. He participated with his brothers,
and some friends, and his future wife.
Dr. George noted that they were supposed to have 15 on the team,
but when the time came, there was just a handful who truly participated.
He was dating his now wife, Tonya, and she volunteered to help
his team. I knew right then I wanted her to be my wife,
he joked. Tonya will be giving the opening speech on Saturday
morning and Dr. George will be giving a speech later in the afternoon
during the Fight Back Ceremony.
Being health conscious has always been a priority for the Versailles
chiropractor, who still participates in the Relay for Life events
today. He believes being healthy is one key to helping to limit
diseases such as cancer.
The first relay that Dr. George participated in has bitter-sweet
memories. He had lost a sister in a tragic accident, and was running
in her memory. He told The Versailles Republican it was a rough
time, but the event held a healing power. He noted that all the
candles were lit in honor of loved ones much as it is today when
the Luminaria Ceremony is held.
The money raised from the Relay for Life event is used to make
a difference in peoples lives, noted Dr. George. While he
has a prior commitment this year, he still told his friend Carla
Stenger he was willing to fill in on her team, the
Spencer Tyson Running Club.
The event is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19 at the
Batesville High School track area. From the opening ceremony at
8 a.m. on Saturday until the closing ceremony begins almost 24
hours later, the time is filled with a variety of events.
This year wristbands can be purchased for just $5.00 for children
to participate in all of the kids activities on Saturday,
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After the opening ceremony on Saturday at 8 a.m. there will be
a silent auction that will begin at 9 a.m. The auction will continue
until 3 p.m.
At 11 a.m. the Little Mr. and Miss Ripley County Relay Contest
will be held with children from all over the county participating.
You wont want to miss their candid answers as they will
be interviewed by Wanda English Burnett, editor of the Osgood
Journal and The Versailles Republican. The newspaper is also a
sponsor of the event.
There will be a car show, Road to Recovery Race, purse auction,
awards ceremony and so much more. The Luminaria Ceremony will
be held at 9 p.m. This is a time of reflection and renewal as
loved ones are remembered and others get a refreshed spirit to
continue the fight.
At midnight there will be a Dude Looks Like a Lady or Lady Looks
Like a Dude event, followed by Relays Got Talent, and a
Rooster Crowing contest at 6 a.m.
Dr. Georges motto when running in the first Relay event
was Lets do it - lets win it, and their
team did. He had to run several extra laps that he said about
killed him, but they did it. Thats the same
determination that is seen today as the groups gather to raise
money. They follow their theme: Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
Rita Seig and Jenny Morris are the co-chairs of this years
event. They invite you to come out on Saturday and see the many
activities and become a part of something that will help future
generations.
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