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Where does the time go. I did not take part in the 1st relay 30 years ago, but I have been at all the rest. 2025 marks 40 years nationwide and 30 years for Murray County.
Probably the most profound thing that I can remember about relay that sticks with me is every time I think well maybe this will be my last year to relay. I very clearly remember going to the Murray County Commissioner meeting in 2003 to ask them to have a special day to celebrate Relay in Murray County. I was in attendance along with our Honorary Survivor that year, Pastor Dave Mesner, and several committee members. One of the commissioners asked us “Well what comes back to Murray County with this money that you raise?” There was a bit of silence and Pastor Dave stood up and said, “I did”. Just thinking about that today as I write this there have been 73 honorary survivors we have honored, of those 73 only 20 are no longer with us. So, in perspective, that means 53 people have come back to Murray County because of funds that have been raised. We have some very young survivors, and we have lots of middle-aged survivors, but we also have lots of older survivors. I can’t help but believe they are happy that Murray County still has a Relay and that they can still say they have survived cancer because of the efforts of Relay For Life.
It appears that this year there could be some healthy cuts to cancer research federally. That is not good, my friends. At least through Relay For Life we can continue to make a difference with the dollars we decide to donate to research. Those 53 survivors that Murray County has, that are still active, appreciate every dollar that is raised for research. Without research, we have no hope of finding that cure. I have a coworker who is on a cancer journey of her own this year. She is patiently waiting for some trials that will address her rare form of cancer. Always in the back of her mind Is “will these trials be able to move forward or will funding be cut.”
Our relay is August 9th at the Murray County Fairgrounds. All past honorary survivors are honored for our 30th anniversary this year. That is 53 people. With that number of people in Murray County we all have to have been touched in one way or another. I have lost some great friends since I started relay, and I can just feel them over my shoulder saying “Keep going you can do it.” Let’s not let our friends and neighbors and family members down. Please consider a donation to relay. You can donate at either bank in town or contact any team member. Luminaries are $10 each and Hope Garden Bags are $100. Last year was our first Hope Garden experience and it was awesome. Lots of memories and tears were shared thru the course of the night in the Hope Garden.
Remember August 9th. Survivor Meal will again be provided courtesy of the Pork Producers and Dairy Association. If you are not a registered cancer survivor, come to relay and register at the registration table down by the pork stand. Please come and support the relay so we can continue to hear “I came back.” Linda Tobias 2025 Co Chair
