Published: June 13, 2009 09:21 pm      

Clark County Relay for Life raises spirits and money

New events also help recognize survivors and caregivers

Laura Barkhuer has been involved in the Clark County Relay for Life for about 14 years, but this year it was different. This year she was a survivor.

“I was diagnosed in July and had surgery and treatment,” said Barkhuer. “I finished treatment in the end of December ... and everything looks good. It’s funny I came for the survivor walk earlier this evening, and I looked at my friend who walked with me and said, ‘Who would have thought this time last year we would be walking in the survivor walk?’”

Barkhuer’s team — First Christian Church — was one of about 45 teams that set up on the track at Jeffersonville High School on Friday to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. A total of 65 teams participated in the Clark County relay this year, raising more than $175,000.

“I think there is an increase in team spirit,” said event Chairwoman Debbie Johnson. “With the economy the way it is, I think our teams worked really hard and they were unbelievably creative in their fundraising ... They did a phenomenal job.”

In an effort to carry on this team spirit, the planning committee scheduled some new events for Relay for Life. To go along with the food, fun laps and a luminaria ceremony, the group added new entertainment like 7 Car Pile Up Band, a new Fight Back Ceremony and found new ways to recognize survivors and caregivers.

“We did our first ever survivor photo,” Johnson said. “One of the other new things we did this year is we were able to recognize our caregivers a little more. We now have a caregiver banner and we could distinctly recognize them in the laps.

“And another new thing we are doing this year is our Fight Back Ceremony ... It will help motivate us, bring us back up and say, ‘What can we do to fight back?’”

Donna Eswine was the guest speaker for the Fight Back Ceremony. Eswine lost her oldest daughter three years ago to a rare type of children’s cancer. She said she wanted to send the message to those who have lost loved ones that they can go through this and even endure death and still enjoy and live life.

“It’s OK to laugh and have a good time no matter what you are going through,” Eswine said. “I think people think it is disrespectful if you’re not sad and gloomy. And it’s not.”

Not only were there were new survivors and new activities, there also were new teams. Ginger Ames is the team captain for the Clark Memorial Medical Center Henryville team. This group won the second place award for best overall campsite.

“We’ve really enjoyed this year,” Ames said. “We’ll definitely be back next year, hopefully bigger and better.”

While Ames and her team will be back bigger and better next year, Barkhuer will be back again, too. Back again as a survivor.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Barkhuer said. “And now I guess I really won’t. I’m in a whole new category now. So many more have endured so much more than I did. I am so fortunate I have wonderful support and friends. You never know, celebrate everyday.”