These champions, along with their teams, inspire hope, courage, and determination in the fight to wipe out cancer. If someone needs an ear to listen, a hand to hold or a guiding light, they are there with an open heart ready to stand up to cancer.
"It's not difficult to help others, even if you don't think you have much to give," said Pfeffer.
The Dan and Stacy Stork family were first-time Relay For Life participants. Recently, Stacy's mother, Sue Lerum, victoriously won her fight with kidney cancer. While Dan's father, Jack Stork, is losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.
"The New Richland team is a very supportive family group, helping the cause to find a cure, for family, friends and teachers," said Dan Stork.
Each year, teams volunteer to raise funds for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The New Richland Caring Friends Relay For Life Team — Mary Conway, Dummer, Economy, Jacobson, Brenda Kampen, Crystal Maxon, Pfeffer, Mary Sack, Svoboda, Mary Sack, Jean Greenwood, Pat Theuer, and Thorstad — has held luncheons on teachers workshop days, created a "Recipes of Hope" cookbook, that they have for sale, and are committed to walk the track, day and night, rain or shine, year after year raising money to end this battle.
Every activity during the Relay For Life is truly motivational. However, the survivor lap, and the luminary ceremony are the most emotionally spiritual, and a privilege to be a part of.
"It's amazing," said Dan Stork.
"It's sad, yet inspirational," added Stacy Stork.
Hope is a word every hurting heart understands. Hope shines brighter than the brightest star on the darkest night. Hope is bigger than the highest mountain and is greater than any obstacle in your path. Anything can be accomplished by those who truly have hope in their hearts. The Relay For Life provides hope that those facing cancer will have support, hope that those lost to cancer will not be forgotten, and hope that one day cancer will be eliminated.
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The New Richland Caring Friends Relay For Life Cookbook can be purchased at New Richland Drug, or contact a team member. Make a difference, support the cause. Together, we can find a cure and win.
