The theme for this year’s Relay for Life in Fillmore County is “Hope Lives Here,” which was also last year’s theme. The relay will be held on September 13 in downtown Spring Valley, Minn., at the VFW Hall, community center, and Spring Creek Park, all within walking distance of each other, making for a meaningful fall evening to demonstrate support for cancer survivors, those going through cancer treatment, and for loved ones who have passed.
The keynote speaker for the Survivor’s tea is Pastor Jolene Knudson-Hanse, which takes place from 3-4 p.m. at the VFW hall in downtown Spring Valley.
Knudson-Hanse shares, “When you find yourself in a story you never would have written, you need others to help you carry on. When any sense of control or plans for the future disappear, because your life is a series of doctor appointments, rest, and recovery: the support and help of others offers a glimmer of hope. Let us gather to remember that even when cancer changes our lives, we are held. We are loved. Courage and strength come as we acknowledge our vulnerability and seek connection. When doubt and despair loom large, God shows up in the kindness of others. It is a tender gift to receive the gifts others provide in your time of heartache.”
The American Cancer Society is celebrating 40 years of Relay for Life events in communities throughout the United States this year. Fillmore County communities have been raising funds for cancer research since 1997 by hosting cancer walks. This year’s goal is $75,000, and $43,378.58 has already been raised. In 2024, the relay was held in Spring Valley, and the committee raised $71,534.09. With the help of Fillmore County Journal readers, this year’s goal can be reached.
Each community commits to hosting the county’s Relay for Life for two years. Harmony hosted the first two years. In 2012, Preston raised $148,769 with 26 teams. In 2013, Harmony raised $128,939.77 with 30 teams and over 3,000 luminaries. In 2014, Harmony raised $138,750.56 and had 29 teams. In 2015, Chatfield raised just under $160,000. In 2016, Chatfield raised just over $125,000. Due to COVID-19, there was no relay in 2020. In total, Relay for Life in Fillmore County has raised over $2,475,000.
Currently, there are 13 teams participating, and there is still time to form a team. This year’s teams include C.H.R.I.S. (Cancer, haters, relaying in search for a cure), Ramblin’ Rosebuds, Up All Night, Major Heroes, Chatfield Chatty Walkers, The Shooting Stars, #teamscotty, United with Hope, Kiwanis Against Cancer, Mission: Possible, Weega Warriors, Corey’s Corner, and BFF Breast Friends Forever. Donations to these teams can be made on the American Cancer Relay for Life website. Over the years, Fillmore County teams have been recognized in the Midwest Division for the amount of money they’ve raised.
American Cancer Society Senior Community Manager Rick Jeddeloh shared, “More than 80% of the funds raised stays local in Fillmore County, and one thing that it supports is cancer research done right here in Minnesota. We are currently funding $6,693,000 in cancer research done at Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota, and Masonic Cancer Center. The remaining 20% funds will support fundraising, patient programs and services, and administrative costs.”
The keynote speaker for the dinner, held from 5-7 p.m. at the community center in downtown Spring Valley, is Margaret Cole of Wykoff. The Opening Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. followed by the walk.
The Color Guard will lead the survivors on the first lap through Spring Creek Park. The walking trail will be lined with luminaries decorated in memory of a loved one or in honor of a survivor. On each bag, a sun or moon sticker will be placed, representing a survivor or a departed loved one.
Other events include a silent auction from 4-8 p.m. at the community center, Heads or Tails at 9 p.m., with the event ending at 10 p.m.
In 2026 and 2027, the event will be held in Mabel, according to Jeddeloh.
Committee Chair Brenda Stier said, “Help us to help others that are fighting cancer.”