BY NORA MABERRY
Marsha Hilligoss has volunteered with the St. Joseph Relay for Life for the past three years.
Hilligoss said she appreciates that the event brings awareness not only to breast cancer, but cancer in general.
Hilligoss said everyone she knows has been touched by the disease in some way. Hilligoss has lost three brothers-in-laws to cancer and her sister-in-law recently underwent treatment for breast cancer. She also has a brother undergoing treatment for cancer.
“This does not include the numerous amount of friends that have fought the disease, lost out to this disease or are going through treatment now,” she said. “My heart breaks for each and every person that cancer has touched.”
Hilligoss will be volunteering again this year at the St. Joseph Relay for Life. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday when the registration tables open.
The opening ceremony will start at 6 p.m. with a survivors lap taking place at 6:10 p.m.
Gallo Dance Studio will perform at 6:30 p.m. on the football field.
The luminaria ceremony will take place at 8:15 p.m. and the closing ceremony will take place at 9 p.m.
During the luminaria ceremony, those in attendance will honor those they love and everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Event chairperson Brad Krall, who will read the names during the luminaria ceremony, said he can relate to those participating in the event because he and his wife experienced the effects of cancer in 2002. That experience is what keeps Krall motivated to volunteer with the event.
“I have been glad to help in organizing and putting together the Relay for Life in St. Joseph knowing the effects of cancer and how much support means to those in the fight,” he said.
The luminaria bags will be set up around the track as well as spelling HOPE in the stands and then change to CURE at the end of the ceremony. Todd Hitt will be playing the bagpipes at the conclusion of the reading of the names of those touched by cancer during the ceremony.
“The event is a beautiful thing to not only join in but observe,” Hilligoss said. “To listen to the names, hear the tears and just listen to the calmness and serenity of the event. It gets to me each time.”
Krall agreed and said he is moved by the support the community shows for the event.
“It shows that we care and want to support each other in the fight,” he said. “It is amazing to see so many people participating in the Relay For Life of St. Joseph. To see people caring so much and wanting to do what they can to help and encourage others makes you swell with pride over the great community we have here in the St. Joseph area.”
During will be games for children and lap beads for walkers. This year there will also be vendors including cheerleaders selling Dippin Dots, Ice Daddy’s selling shaved ice and ice cream novelties, TK’s Cheesesteaks and Geschenk Boutique and Coffee and Tea Haus will be selling soup, sandwiches and bottled drinks.
Hilligoss will be selling Grace&Heart jewelry at the event and her proceeds will be going to Relay for Life.
Hilligoss said the jewelry is sterling silver with some accented with semiprecious stones and leather.
Hilligoss said the motto of the company, “Live the Life you Love” fits with the Relay for Life theme.
“I hope each and every person has the chance to live their life the way they would like to without ever having to think about cancer or cancer treatment,” she said.
The Relay for Life Committee is monitoring the weather situation. With one to two inches of rain expected on Saturday, the event coordinators are looking at options if they need to reschedule the event.
Krall said if it is raining lightly the event will take place as scheduled.
“In the case of heavy rains or storms we would be forced to cancel the event,” he said.
Krall hopes to make an announcement by noon on Saturday.
