(File photo) Each year, the Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivors and remembers those who have lost their battles with cancer.

When a doctor mentions "cancer" the world seems to come to an abrupt halt. Cancer, the second leading cause of death in this country, affects individuals at all ages and has no remorse.

On July 12-13, the fifth annual Dickinson County Relay for Life will join cancer survivors with supporters and community members at the Okoboji High School Track. It provides an opportunity for all to come and not only celebrate, but to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer and fight back against the disease.

"Relay for Life is a unique opportunity for our community to come together in the fight against cancer," said Di Hirt, Relay for Life Chair and cancer survivor. "Many of the participants are cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), which serves as a reminder that our community is not immune to this disease and we can actually help our friends, families and neighbors that have been touched by cancer."

Dickinson County is home to more than 600 cancer survivors. Close to 100 survivors are expected to participate in the opening ceremonies which include a survivor story and survivor lap. Around 250 - 300 people are expected to attend the opening ceremonies. The Relay for Life is intended to honor cancer survivors, but everyone is invited to come show their support.

Teams from Dickinson County will come together to participate in the relay throughout the night. Currently, there are 29 teams that plan on attending and helping to raise money. Team members come and go throughout the night, but there is always at least one member from a team on the track during the relay. Teams include family, friends, coworkers and others who have helped to raise money prior to the event. While walking, there are numerous fun activities off the track for relayers to participate in.

At this year's relay, coordinators have set an event goal of raising $85,000. All proceeds are used to help fund cancer research and help individuals who are struggling with the disease.

"There are many ways for people to donate money. It's hard to put a number of how much we want to raise. We just hope to raise as much as we can," Hirt said.

The best way to give to the Relay for Life is to come to the track and make a personal donation. If that does not work, donations can be dropped into boxes at Northwest Bank. Checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society. Another convenient way to give is online. Visit www.relayforlife.org to make your donations.

At 3 p.m. on July 12, team registration will begin at the Okoboji High School Track. Cancer survivors are able to register at 4 p.m. At 6:15 p.m. the evening's events begin as the cancer survivors take part in the survivor lap. Shortly after, the relay for all begins.

For most of the evening, the Cancer Resource Center will be open for participants to learn more about cancer and the different ways to fight back. At 9:30 p.m. a very special Luminaria Ceremony will be held. The ceremony is for everyone to remember and honor all those who lost their battle with cancer and to honor those currently fighting.

"It will be beautiful when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track," said Becky Smith, Luminaria Chair. "We hope to have enough luminaria to light the entire area."

Anyone desiring to create a luminaria may do so by calling (712) 320-2359. Each luminary is available with a donation. Luminaria are also available at all Northwest Bank locations, Jennings Tow & Repair, Liberty Bank, Okoboji Motors, Central Bank and Lakes Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

HyVee will provide and serve a breakfast at 5 a.m. and the closing ceremony will be at 6 a.m.

The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, not-for-profit, non-government funder of cancer research in the United States. Since the program began in 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested $2.9 billion dollars into cancer research; thirty-eight scientists who received funding from the American Cancer Society during their careers went on to win the Nobel Prize.

The organization is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Survivors Stories

Jack Bedell never thought he would have to fight cancer. After being diagnosed in 1994 with his first cancer, Bedell has had to fight back against cancer twice in his life.

Fourteen years ago, Bedell was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Shortly after a physical, doctors found blood in Bedell's urine and found their was a problem. He was then diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The cancer was in its early stages of development and was treated with radioactive seeds. The seed implants remain in place permanently and allow high doses of radiation to be delivered.

Being cancer-free for seven years, Bedell then developed a malignant tumor in his bladder. Like the prostate cancer, the tumor was also in its early stages of development. He had successful surgery to remove the tumor. Bedell never worried and knew that he would be able to conquer his cancer.

"You know I was never too concerned," said Bedell. "Both times they were treated at early stages in their development. I knew I had excellent care, so I was not really worried."

Today he is 100 percent and feeling good. Like many other cancer survivors, he is gracious to have made it through it and looks forward to participating in this years Relay for Life.

"I am feeling good. No problems," he said. "I think that the Relay for Life does a magnificent job raising money and awareness. It is an easy way to raise money for a good cause like this and it's a great, easy project."

Another cancer survivor participating in this year's Relay for Life is Norma Seely. Seely, 85, is a breast cancer survivor.

In 1980, she discovered a lump in one of her breasts after doing a self examination. A visit to the doctor confirmed she had breast cancer. Dealing with the breast cancer was nothing new for Seely because she had previously lost her sister to breast cancer and has had the disease in her family for quite sometime.

An elementary librarian, Seely successfully completed cobalt treatment to rid herself of the cancer cells. Years later, however, a mammogram showed something else suspicious causing her other breast to be removed. To this day she is just so happy to still be living.

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Relay for Life

WHEN: July 12-13

WHERE: Okoboji High School Track

July 12:

3 - 4 p.m. - team registration

6:15 p.m. - survivor lap

Shortly after, relay begins

9:30 p.m.- luminaria ceremony

July 13:

5 a.m. - breakfast

6 a.m. - closing ceremony