Relay For Life holds possible last event in Kimball

A storm passed through the city of Kimball as rain soaked the ground of Gotte Park and supporters of the local Relay For Life gathered underneath a pavilion on Friday, August 22, for their annual event to raise both awareness and money for the cause of helping fund research in order to fight the deadly illness.

Fran Wallin, who organized the event, stood before the crowd tucked away under the shelter from the rain, opening the event by expressing her gratitude for everyone who has shown their support for the Kimball Relay For Life over the past five or six years.

"I want to thank everybody that shows up to support us and does anything to help this night and get all this stuff ready. There's just so many generous businesses, individuals and talented people here in town, and I just appreciate you all so much for coming out," Wallin said.

Wallin also stated that the event almost didn't happen this year as she didn't know if she would have the energy to organize it and see it through. However, when she looked at her book of cancer survivors, she knew that she had to keep the event going for another year.

"There's about 80 people on that list, which I know it's not 100 percent complete. On that list, there are couples, husband and wives that have had cancer. There are two families where a mom, dad and adult child have had cancer. To me, there's something horribly wrong with that picture," Wallin said. "That's why we kept plugging and trying to do this. We don't have the backing that the Cattlemen's Ball had, but we keep trying. We're a small group, but I think we're a mighty group. And I do appreciate your support and generosity through the years."

However, Wallin made it clear that it was uncertain whether or not the event would continue the following year, at least not under her leadership.

"This was kind of a tough decision this year. I didn't know if I'd have the energy to do this, and it's been a struggle. So I don't know if this is going to happen again next year, but if anybody would like to help, give me a call. I would appreciate that," Wallin said.

After Wallin welcomed survivors and supporters, Joe Hernandez of the Kimball VFW presented a flag ceremony while Jodie Shaske, who had served as the guest speaker at last year's event, sang the national anthem as all in attendance stood in reverence.

Though clouds hung over the park and dark skies continued to pour rain down throughout the event, nothing could darken the sense of hope that participants felt as Joey Shaske, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer in his sophomore year of high school, addressed the crowd and spoke of his struggles after being diagnosed with cancer.

"With events such as these, we will someday find a cure. Even though it's hard to do, we all need to learn to overcome setbacks with having cancer. I was diagnosed with germinoma brain cancer when I was a sophomore back in 2011. I was declared tumor-free in March of 2012, and I am still in remission today. After getting through treatment and once I started to feel better, I realized that it was now my job to inform others of the reality of cancer and how important like Relay For Life really are," Shaske said.

Though he knows that being diagnosed with cancer is both frightening and can break down people's spirits, Shaske told those gathered that they must keep fighting, that they can beat the disease.

"With a lot of support from a lot of different people, I was able to continue school and finish my last two years of high school. I recently graduated from Scottsbluff back in May of this year. I didn't let cancer stop my life. I took it with a grain of salt and told myself I was not going to give up no matter what. Cancer was the most difficult thing I've ever had to face in my life. I simply chose to not let that stop me from going after my goals," Shaske said.

Shaske also let it be know that even when one is cancer-free, the battle continues on in the pursuit of returning to a normal life. However, he states that it is possible and that one should not give up throughout the struggle to do so, that there is life after cancer.

"I am living proof that cancer can be beat, and it is not always a death sentence. It honestly is really hard getting back to regular life, no doubt. I am still trying to put the pieces of my own life back together. But I am here to tell you that it can be done. And that with enough support there will, someday, be a cure for cancer," Shaske said. "Unfortunately, finding a cure is going to be a long, challenging road and it will take time and a lot of effort from everyone. Finding a cure won't happen over night. It is our job as survivors to stay strong and to never back down until there is a cure to end cancer once and for all. Until then, we must fight on. Thank you very much."

Due to the continued rain, the luminaria ceremony had to be postponed, and Wallin states that she hopes to host another event in the near future in which to do all the events that were rained out.

However, the sense of camaraderie and fellowship between the survivors was palpable throughout the event, all beaming with a thankfulness to still be standing and able to help the cause as they applauded Shaske and later shared a meal together under the pavilion, their kindness and support of each other bringing a warmth to the cold chill hanging in the air of Gotte Park.