More than 76 individual groups, businesses, churches and schools have been busy since September with a variety of creative fundraisers in an effort to combine funds for the cure. As of April 8 and prior to “Bank Night” on the 15th when many of the teams submit their funds raised, the total is $88,412. Plant City’s goal is $275,000, so we still have work to do. And every team member has a fascinating story or two to tell. Linda Herman’s story began 15 years ago when she volunteered to help the Knights Elementary team at Plant City’s very first Relay event because her mother, who died in 2003, was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Pre-K Special Needs teacher now says, “I’m pretty sure I bleed purple.” She vowed to fight the dreaded disease until a cure was found. Since that time, her passion for the event she now directs in Plant City only grows stronger each year. Herman, who now volunteers as event chair for the 3rd largest Relay for Life in Florida, explains, “The most amazing thing to me is how Plant City as a community is behind this cause. Yes, the committee organizes the event, but it’s the town that rallies each year to support us and help us celebrate our survivors, remember those we have lost and encourage us continue to fight on. Plant City is truly helping us finish the fight!” Approximately 2,000 enthusiasts will enjoy team activities at the fun-filled displays on the football field where many camp overnight. Because cancer never sleeps, each
The Sponsors! South Florida Baptist Hospital - CF Industries Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan Heysek & Kepes Oncology - Linda Herman A Deal Roofing, Inc. - Paul Ortelli Bonds Farm Credit of Central FL - The Mayo Family
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team aims to have at least one participant on the track at all times during the 18hour event. Cancer survivors and their caretakers walk one lap around the track during an emotion-filled Survivors Lap, which follows the 6 p.m. opening ceremonies. At 9 p.m. the emotional and inspiring Luminaria Ceremony allows everyone to share both grief and hope by lighting candles inside the personalized bags that line the track in honor, memory or support of a loved one. Donation dollars can also be designated to help a specific team or participant reach their fundraising goal. After a festive night, the next day’s closing ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to noon will feature the choruses from Plant City elementary schools. Joanie Petty got involved with Relay for Life when her co-worker, and best friend of 21 years, Linda Herman asked her to serve as Team Development Chairman for Plant City’s event. Petty’s mother Betty, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974, is a survivor. “At first,” Petty confessed, “being a teacher and a mom of two teenage boys, I feared not having the time to do the job. But after the Relay Kickoff, I saw how excited the team captains were and I’ve gotten to know wonderful people with such a desire to help in the quest for a cure. It has been such a rewarding experience and I’ve agreed to retain my position next year. So here’s a heads up: If you live in Plant City and you have a business, church, school, or family... I will probably ask you to form a team for Relay for Life 2014.” Herman’s two older sisters, Laura from Maryland and Leslie from New Jersey, will join her this weekend as she walks for a childhood friend, Dan Rogan, whose cancer is diagnosed as inoperable and incurable. “I can’t wait to have them both be a part of the most incredible Relay for Life event,” she said, adding, “My mom would definitely be proud of her girls! “ During the monthly Team Captain meetings, Herman and Petty made sure to highlight how the American Cancer Society uses the funds raised. Herman said, “Most people think it all goes to research or salaries, but it also supports the many programs ACS has to help those who are in the process of battling. The