Relay for Life sprints toward participation deadline

When people hear the word "relay," they may think of runners dashing around a track at lightning speed before handing a baton to another runner.

Relay for Life, one of the nationwide fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, is nothing like that, and volunteer Holly Lintner wants everyone to understand how different it is.

"So many people hear 'relay,' and they think of it as a race," Lintner said. "They see it as some race, and they are not interested."

Relay for Life is more like a tame tailgate party -- with walking involved -- than a foot race. It incorporates contests, food, music and activities for children and adults.

The 15th annual Relay for Life of Cape Girardeau County will begin at noon June 13 at Arena Park and end at midnight June 14.

During Relay for Life, teams made up of cancer survivors, caregivers and others get together, and during the event, at least one person representing a team must be on the track at all times.

No one runs around the track. It is filled with people walking, chatting and laughing as they amble around it.

"People don't think of it as what it truly is: a huge, family-friendly event with games, food and entertainment that honors survivors and caregivers and those we have lost," Lintner said.

Bands will play throughout the day, and there also will be a talent contest.

Lintner is one of three people chairing the event. Lintner's role is Fund the Mission chairwoman. The other chairwomen are "Bring the People," Beth Brotherton, and "Bring the Fun," Michelle Sullivan.

Teams may be small -- four to six people for individuals and families or small companies -- or much larger, 20 or more, for teams sponsored by larger companies and corporations.

Corporate sponsors are important to the success of the event.

A local car dealership, Ford Groves, will be there between noon and 6 p.m. with some Lincolns, and ACS will receive $25 for each person who test-drives one, with one proviso: One donation per household will be made, although as many family members as want to, and who are registered drivers, may take a vehicle for a spin.

"Those donations will rack up and help us, hopefully," Lintner said.

The American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive from noon to 4 p.m.

Lintner is concerned there has been a decline in the amount of money raised during the past several years. In 2010, $194,282 was raised.

The numbers have continued to drop, gradually at first, to $192,039 in 2011, then dipping to $182,353 in 2012.

In 2013, the event raised $157,361, and by 2014, the number had dropped to $142,660.

The figures reflect a waning number of participants. Between 2010 and 2012, 720 to 769 people participated. In 2013, just over 515 people registered, and in 2014, 313 people registered.

Lintner, a breast-cancer survivor, said she hopes things will turn around this year.

The 2015 goal is to raise $169,000 and get 800 people to register, but the group has a long way to go.

As of May 8, 163 people had registered. The cutoff for registration is May 15, because T-shirts must be ordered. To get a T-shirt, a team must raise $100 for each person who will receive a shirt. Some of the activities planned include a talent contest and a frozen T-shirt contest.

"Each person is given a frozen T-shirt that is in a ball, and they see who can break it up enough to put it on the fastest," Lintner said. "It's a fun thing."

A Cancer Survivor Celebration Dinner will be held June 2 at Jackson Knights of Columbus Hall as a precursor for participants in the Relay for Life Event. The dinner is free for survivors and one guest. Subsequent guests must pay $7. The last day to register for the dinner is Wednesday.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Mike Metzker and U.S. Foods are donating the food for the dinner, and the Jackson KC Council 6405 will cook.

Survivors honored at the dinner will be given T-shirts to wear the day of the event.

Linter said Relay of Life is about more than just raising money.

"If you are a cancer survivor or a caregiver or someone who has lost someone to cancer, it's a great time to be with other people who have experienced similar things," she said. "You feel a sense of camaraderie with those that have cancer and those who may have lost someone to cancer and be lonely."

For more information about Relay for Life of Cape Girardeau, call 573-334-9354, or visit relayforlife.org/capemo.

"There's still time to register and get involved," Lintner said.