FREDERICKTOWN — The 12th annual Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and patient services, kicked off Friday evening at the Fredericktown High School stadium.
Mary Jane Schlairet was presented the 2008 Don Summerhayes Award by the 2007 recipient, Missy Moore, who noted Schlairet’s volunteer and community activities. A recently retired teacher of 35 years, Schlairet is a 14-year 4-H advisor, a Sunday School teacher, former Girl Scout leader, former president of the Fredericktown Education Association and an active member of the National Education Association.
The annual award, said Christine Mills, ACS regional community director, “is presented to a volunteer who has worked really hard on Relay for Life and for the American Cancer Society.” The award honors Don Summerhayes, a longtime local volunteer who helped found the relay.
“Oh, you guys,” said Schlairet, as she received her award. “This is very, very nice. I was surprised, and very pleased.”
Luminaries were lit to remember those lost to cancer and to honor survivors of the disease.
“It’s a very emotional time,” said Mills.
A new feature of the relay was the Fight Back Ceremony.
“Each team is going to make a non-financial commitment to try to save a life in the fight against cancer,” said Evie Collins, ACS income development coordinator. Some may commit to furthering cancer awareness in the workplace, while others will commit to getting tested.
Some team members will walk all night.
Marie Caputo of Fredericktown, a cancer survivor of one year, walked with her daughter, Georgianna, 6, and her mother, Joan Sichel of Howard.
“We’ll walk as much as we can,” said Sichel.
“I’ll probably go home after the luminaries, but I’m coming back at 6 a.m.,” said Caputo.
Georgianna helped raise funds for ACS at a recent mini-relay for kindergartners.
“I walked 10 laps,” she said proudly.
Relay for Life ends at noon today with team awards and announcement of the total raised.
