The hundreds of cancer survivors, family, caregivers, and friends who took part in the annual Warren County Relay for Life Friday evening said the $65,000 raised at the event will make a difference in American Cancer Society's research efforts. Cancer survivors interviewed at the event said that cancer research is paying off. They said new drugs and improved technology is what is making it possible for them to wear the dark purple shirt with "Survivor" emblazoned on the back. "I feel fantastic," said Janet Miller. "My breast cancer was not curable, but it was treatable. Thanks to my sister, I finally saw a doctor. When I found out, I didn't let it enter my spirit - I'm going to beat this." Three years later Miller is cancer free, even though cancer had initially spread from her breasts to her liver and lungs. "It's gone," she said with a smile. Linda Stephens, diagnosed in 2005, was proud to wear the survivor T-shirt as she walked laps on the Black Hawk Middle School track. She said the money raised from Relay for Life has directly affected her successful treatment. Suffering from a rare form of leukemia, Stephens was treated by a new drug developed by a doctor from the St. Louis area. She has been in remission for two years. "I wouldn't change a thing," she said. "Not even getting cancer. I'm a much stronger, better person than I was before cancer." Representing a lot of men with prostate cancer, Bill Rippee said he is getting on with his life, thanks to his good neighbor, his family and his medical care. "I never knew these treatments existed," said Rippee. "I have gold seeds implanted in me. They told the doctors exactly where to aim. Forty-three radiation treatments later, here I am." Like Stephens, Rippee said he is proud to have beaten cancer. He is thrilled to be around for his grandchildren and is looking forward to seeing them grow up, get married and have children of their own. Two sisters took on the job of co-chairing the Relay committee this year. Sarah Creech and Mary Hase said they did it for their mother, Lena Hasekamp, who died of pancreatic cancer. "When the survivors announce how many years they have made it since their cancer, it gives such hope to those who are just months into it," Creech said. "It's very inspiring for them." Dorothy Gosney, 94, of Wright City, is a perfect example of the toughness and tenacity it takes to be a survivor. Diagnosed in 2001, Gosney led this year's survivor walk as one of the oldest. She smiled as she bragged on the "handsome young man" who wheeled her around the track. She said she was having the time of her life. Colorful booths lined the track at Black Hawk Middle School. Food, games and entertainment were provided by a variety of local groups. Included in the musical entertainment were the Warren County Community Band and the Airheads. Dancing for the crowd were students from Dance Variations. The Black Hawk Middle School choir performed in honor of their teacher, Christy Wilson, who battled breast cancer. Students learned more from her than how to sing and dance - they saw a battle of life and death that was won. "We were thrilled with the outcome of this year's Relay," Hase said. "Not only did we have a big crowd, but we had all the help and kindness we could want." A new award was presented this year to an organization that made a positive impact on the event, according to organizers. The Hope Award was presented to Warren County R-III School District and accepted by Rhonda Wood. Creech said cancer is a disease that never sleeps. It not only affects the patient, it leaves its mark on almost every family. Those who lost their lives to cancer were not forgotten. Lining the track were hundreds of luminarias honoring survivors and those who lost the battle. "We're all here for the same reason," Creech said. "to put an end to cancer." "We're here to celebrate, remember and fight back," added Hase. This year the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life event celebrates 25 years of hope.

Local Cancer Survivors Believe Help Is on The Way; Event Raises $65,000

Local Cancer Survivors Believe Help Is on The Way; Event Raises $65,000