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 The morning began with inspirational words from
John Guzzardo. Those who are familiar with the Guzzardo family know
that they have felt the impacts of cancer first hand. John spoke on
Saturday about the many friends he has known who looked to others
for strength, courage, and support as they battled cancer. He spoke
about the diagnosis of his wife Frankie and how she battled to be a
survivor with countless friends and family members supporting her
through deeds and also through prayers.
Guzzardo has long-been a strong supporter of Relay for Life of Logan
County. The Guzzardo family each year provides the survivor dinner
that happens before the Relay. He has addressed the Relay at various
times, and, wife Frankie was named as an honorary chairperson in
2016.
Guzzardo said that when Frankie was diagnosed she
knew her story would end in one of two ways. She would either
celebrate victory over death and remain here with her family for a
little while longer, or she would celebrate victory over suffering
and spend eternity with her Father in heaven.
Guzzardo encouraged all in attendance to be present in the lives of
those who are battling cancer. He said not to wait, to do it now, to
reach out to those we know and show them they are not alone. He
encouraged prayer and sharing the love of the Lord with everyone.
Guzzardo told stories of friends who he had lost, and that he knew
they were destined for heaven because he had spoken with them
personally, and even led them to the Lord himself. He recalled one
particular friend whom he said was not a believer. As he suffered
his disease, one day he asked John to pray for him. John did, and
when the man passed away John said he had all confidence that he was
in heaven.
As Guzzardo finished, he asked all in attendance to reach out and
place a hand on their neighbor. A symbol of unity and love for one
another even though they may be strangers.
As guests reached out to one another, Donna Doolin,
who has also suffered great loss to cancer, delivered a prayer of
strength and inspiration.
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 Afterward she too spent a few moments
talking about her personal experiences and how that the love of God,
family, and friends give cancer patients as well as their families
strength to keep moving forward each day.
The last event of the morning was music led by
Lesleigh Bennett. Guests were asked to spread out no more than an
arm-length apart along the west side of the Wellness Pond. Again
reaching out to the person beside them, the group felt the power of
the moment as Bennett sang first “Lean on Me,” followed by “You’ve
got a friend.”
After the singing, Nila Smith spoke on behalf of
Lincoln Daily News, thanking ALMH for giving permission for the
rally to be held at the pond. She commented on the serene beauty of
the area and encouraged guests to linger and perhaps take a walk
around the pond before they went on about the rest of their day.
The Lean on Me Rally was held for all cancer survivors, caregivers,
supporters, and anyone who wished to come out and show support for
those people.
Following is the list of 25 who joined in the rally:
Sara Ayer
Chris Bennett
Lesleigh Bennett
Peyton Bennett
Kathy Blaum
Gail Clark
Janet Cook
Marcia Cook
Tracy Curry
Donna Doolin
Mitch Douglas
Kim Frizzell
John Guzzardo
Karen Hargis
Roy Logan
Taylor Rohne
Kim Richards
Nila Smith
Richard Smith
Melissa Thomas
Tracy Thomas
Vera Thomas
Melody Williams
Julie Williamson
Jan Youngquist
[Nila Smith]
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