2019 Relay for Life

2019 RELAY FOR LIFE MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS JUNE 19, 2019 Page 7 with them or were walking in memory of a loved one lost to cancer. At 2 p.m. the Praise Handmade group performed. Started by Angela Rogers many years ago, Praise Handmade is a ministry of Jefferson Street Christian Church that includes members of other area churches. As Christian music plays, the group does sign language as a way of worship. They began with “Every Breath a Gift from God” and followed it with several other songs. Before the song “Shoulders” the Rogers daughter Rebecca shared a story of growing up in Africa with her missionary parents and recalling her dad Phil supporting her on his shoulders. Years later, as her father was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease, Huntington’s, Rebecca became one of his caregivers supporting him through his illness. The Roger’s family has also been personally affected by cancer as Angela Roger’s mother Patsy Wilson died from cancer in November 2015. Patsy Wilson used to participate in the survivor’s lap of the relay. The theme from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. was “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and several people donned Christmas outfits as they walked around the track to Christmas music. Walkers were given pipe cleaners and received red beads each lap so they could create a candy cane. At 4 p.m. the Daughters of the King, a group of young girls from Open Arms Christian Fellowship performed. For laps representing various Dr. Seuss books, participants were asked to dress in something reminding them of dad, wear a hat, dress in animal prints, put on a wacky outfits or shoes, wear mismatched socks and wear pajamas or a robe. Other special events included a balloon relay for kids, games by various teams, Zumba with Bethany Rademaker, a silent auction and a live auction. A buffet meal prepared by Lincoln College was also available to purchase for $8, with the college donating the meal with proceeds going to Relay for Life. As the end of the evening drew near, the Luminary laps took place with people walking in silence as Bill Post read aloud a long list of the names on the luminaria remembrances. The event ended at 11 with a balloon launch and closing prayer. As co-chair Ruth Gordon said we do fundraisers like the Relay for Life “so that in the future, cancer will be a place no one will go.” [Angela Reiners]