Relay For Life of Fillmore County Announces 2026 Guest Speakers

The Relay For Life of Fillmore County planning committee has announced this year’s guest speakers. Kim Carfizzi will share her cancer journey during the Survivor’s Tea, while Kathy Hawkins will share her story during the Community Supper.

This year’s event will be held Saturday, August 29, at the Fountain Community Center in Fountain, Minnesota. The schedule includes the Survivor’s Tea at 4 p.m., Community Supper from 5-7 p.m., the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m., the Luminaria Walk from 7-9 p.m., and the Event Closing at 9 p.m.

“We are grateful to the city of Fountain for opening its hearts and allowing us to hold this event in their community once again, Organizer Denise Pagel said. “When my husband and I joined Relay 11 years ago, we had no idea how personal and emotional this event would become for our family. Our youngest son is a three-year cancer survivor.”

Guided by the American Cancer Society Relay For Life motto, “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back,” the event gives area residents a chance to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and continue the fight against cancer.

Each year, the local planning committee sets a fundraising goal. This year’s goal is $65,000. Last year, Spring Valley raised $70,408 for Relay For Life of Fillmore County.

Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to attend the Survivor’s Tea, a reception honoring survivors and caregivers.

Survivor’s Tea guest speaker Carfizzi will share her cancer journey, which began two years ago and everything happened within three months of her son’s birth while he was also facing health issues. Carfizzi will emphasize the importance of advocating for one’s own health and asking questions.

“I think that’s really a big deal in today’s world – advocating for yourself and not being afraid to ask questions, even if you think they might be silly,” Carfizzi said.

Carfizzi is a member of team Chatfield Chatty Walkers as well as her mother’s best friend, whom she has supported for years. “I felt like it’s important that I join and advocate for myself and others.”

Community Supper guest speaker Hawkins (also of team Chatfield Chatty Walkers) will share her experience facing cancer twice and offer a message of resilience. Hawkins said she never missed a full day of work during either cancer journey, although some days she worked only one hour.

Hawkins keeps a sticker on her desk at work that reads, “Cancer is tough, but I am tougher.” She said the message reflects her belief that, while cancer is a difficult road, people can get through it – and that every person’s journey is different.

Hawkins will also stress the importance of cancer research, which, based on her own experience, works.

A majority of the funds raised in Fillmore County goes toward cancer research. The remaining funds support education, preventive screening and treatment, transportation, Hope Lodge, the 1-800 support line, and advocacy at the national and local levels.

The American Cancer Society explained that the Luminaria Ceremony remains one of the signature elements of the Relay For Life event. At nightfall, homemade paper lanterns, decorated with the names of loved ones, are illuminated in honor and in memory of lives touched by cancer. The ceremony includes a moment of silence for those who have been lost. When a donation is made for a luminaria, it honors a loved one while helping the American Cancer Society continue to fight cancer.

This year’s teams include the Chatfield Chatty Walkers, Major Heroes, The Shooting Stars, BFF Breast Friends Forever, #teamscotty, United with Hope, C.H.R.I.S., Up all Night, Ramblin’ Rosebuds, Schmidty Strong and Mission: Possible.

Information on forming a team or donating to a team is available at acsevents.org.

Looking ahead, Pagel said the event will have a new home in future years.

“We are excited to announce that moving forward, Fillmore County’s Relay For Life will be held annually at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds,” Pagel said.