(Jerseyville, IL � June 9, 2009) � The 2009 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Jersey County took place overnight Friday, June 5 at Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville. Seventeen teams spent the night celebrating, remembering, and pledging to fight back against the disease. By the end of the evening, well over $41,000 had been raised through donations, fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships, all benefitting the ACS Relay For Life of Jersey County. With the help of beautiful weather, the Jersey County Relay experienced success once again this year.
There were 47 cancer survivors honored at the annual Survivor Dinner. The Opening Ceremony followed the Survivor Dinner, featuring Illini Middle School�s choral director Mary Cain singing the National Anthem and Steven Davis delivering the Invocation and Opening Song. Event chair Melissa Mustain welcomed everyone, shared her own personal story of why she participates in Relay, and thanked the teams, Steering Committee, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and the community for their generous support. Dr. James Piephoff of St. Anthony�s Health Center spoke about the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities. Kim Murray of Cornerstone Bank spoke on behalf of the corporate sponsors and certificates were given in recognition of the corporate sponsors. Sarah Collins shared her story as a cancer survivor. The Relay then got underway with the first laps by the survivors, caregivers, and teams along with a performance by the Jerseyville Pom Pon Squad.
This year�s Relay theme was The Power of Love � Relay Rewound. Celebrating 25 years of hope, this year�s theme was all about the 1980s, with a special emphasis on 1985, the year of the first Relay For Life. Jersey County celebrated its 10th year of Relay this year as well. Highlights of this year�s Relay also include milestones achieved individually and as a team in miles walked. Individually, Deb Wittman walked all night and completed a total of 30 miles. As a team, Norditalia, made up mostly of members of the JCHS track team, ran a combined total of 150 miles.
As a part of the Relay night, a display of Luminarias was lit to honor those who have passed due to cancer, survivors, and caregivers. Throughout the evening, 104 pledges were made by individuals wanting to fight back against cancer along with 100 virtual pledges of how one can get involved and help picture a cure. Wrapping up the Relay at about sunrise Saturday morning, the Closing Ceremony song was played and Michael Davenport delivered the Closing Prayer. Awards were also given to the teams for the most spirit and the best campsite. Captain Elaina Smith of the Crazy Chicks team accepted the award for most spirit and Captain Jeffrey Wooldridge of team Norditalia accepted the award for best campsite.
For more information about the 2009 ACS Relay For Life of Jersey County or to find out how to get involved next year, call Melissa Mustain at 618-498-3209 or Amy Slauson of the American Cancer Society at 800-642-8084. You can also visit the Event website at www.relayforlifejersey.com.
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