Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
VOLUNTEERS LIT luminaria during the Gogebic Range Relay for Life on Saturday at Gogebic Community College. The luminaria honor those who have been touched by cancer. The luminaria were placed around a track that participants walked around.
By TOM STANKARD
Ironwood - To recognize those touched by cancer, the 19th annual American Cancer Society Gogebic Range Relay for Life was hosted by Gogebic Community College on Saturday.
Tents were set up in which teams sold products to raise money for the cause.
Some tents hosted games and other activities for children and adults to play.
There was a track set up in the parking lot with luminaria all around, each with a name of someone being honored.
Ironwood resident Becky Schwartz walked around the track with other relay supporters and cancer survivors.
"To see the survivors out here walking is just mind breaking," Schwartz said. "One man told me, '25 years.' Wow, that gives you hope."
Schwartz walked in honor of her late husband, Ron, and was the captain of the Ironwood Business and Professional Women's Club and Friends.
"I'm a team captain that believes in this cause," Schwartz said. "This is my second year doing it. My husband died of colon cancer almost four years ago. That's why I'm out here today."
If Ron were still alive, Schwartz said she thinks he would be very proud of her.
Schwartz said her children support the cause, too.
"My children, even though they don't live up here, they help support, too," Schwartz said. "They give emotional support."
While people were walking, running or biking around the track, there was live entertainment. Denise Haas performed on her guitar. The cast of Marry Poppins previewed their upcoming play at the Ironwood Theatre, and the Gogebic Range Community Band performed.
The event raised more than $16,000, according to Schwartz.
The luminaria glowed in the darkness and the names of those honored were projected on the wall.
"It's so emotional, it really is," she said. "When you see the names scrolling, too. That really hits home when you see your loved ones names."
Stephanie Swartzendruber, Community Manager for the ACS, thanked the volunteers.
"Everything that you see here today was made possible by volunteers from this community," she said.
