Relay for Life event leader dedicated decades to the cause
Rachel Mitter first got involved with the Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, 20 years ago when her a cousin’s grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“In 1998, I got involved initially to give her my support,” said Mitter, who’s participated in the event every year since.
Eight years ago, the Waynesburg resident began making entries on the Greene County Relay for Life website, such as fundraiser updates. Additional volunteer roles followed with each passing year.
Things took a personal turn in October 2017 when she had a bad bout of kidney stones. While in the emergency room, a CT scan showed she had a dark spot on her left lung. Her doctor suggested she have the lower lobe of her lung surgically removed. The operation took place on March 16, 2018 and two weeks later she received an official diagnosis: The spot was cancerous.
“I returned to work five weeks later,” she said. “I still have some reduced lung capacity but am currently doing well.”
This year, Mitter will serve for the first time as the Greene County Relay for Life event leader. The 16 hourlong event is scheduled for May 11 from 8 a.m. to midnight at the Waynesburg Central High School Football Stadium.
She’ll walk the Survivor’s Lap at the beginning of the event and attend the subsequent survivors luncheon, catered by the Greene County Career and Technology Center.
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday April 14th, she’ll also be at Waynesburg University’s mini-Relay For Life at the Johnson Commons.
In addition to making sure the fundraiser runs smoothly, she’s been sharing the latest developments in cancer research at monthly “mission moments” in the Waynesburg Central High School cafeteria.
“I’ve been attending the Relay for Life now for 20 years and I find it’s good to have all this camaraderie and support from the community,” Mitter said.
Last year, Rachel’s son, Joseph Willard, 19, got involved in the relay when he started a walking team called Pikula’s Punch, which honors his mother’s maiden name.
While the national Relay for Life got its start in 1985, Greene County organized its first event 24 years ago. Last year, Waynesburg University raised $13,000 during its “mini-Relay,” days before the main county event because students are usually on break during that time. Overall, the two relays raised a total of $121,575 last year to help combat cancer.
All the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society which allocates the funds to cancer research grants and its Road to Recovery program, whereby cancer patients can get free rides to and from treatment. The funds also support Hope Lodge, where cancer patients can stay for free during treatment and the society’s 24/7 hotline (1.800.227.2345), which anyone can call to ask questions about cancer.
Funds also support wig salons, where cancer patients can get a free wig. In Greene County the wig salon is located at Washington Health System Greene.
Relay For Life is the largest fundraising event across the nation for the American Cancer Society. The Greene County Relay For Life is a 16 hour walk event where relay teams make sure one person from the team is always walking the track. During the day, planned activities begin with an Opening Cancer Survivor Ceremony at 10 a.m. where those in attendance honor cancer survivors. The survivors take a lap around the track together, then enjoy a luncheon with their caregivers.
“At the opening, two torch bearers from each of the school districts run one lap, then pass the torch to a childhood cancer survivor,” said Dillon Spencer, community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “Each survivor, wearing the society’s emblematic purple shirt lines up and has their name read by the county commissioners before walking one lap around the track.”
Throughout the day, attendees can walk around the craft and vendor stalls, stop in the concession stand run by the Women of the Moose and play games like corn hole, dodge ball and extreme musical chairs.
The relay ends with a Luminaria Ceremony whereby participants purchase lantern bags in honor/memory/support of someone that has been affected by cancer.
There is no fee to attend Relay for Life, and everyone is free to come and go as they please. Teams of walkers, however, should register for a campsite, which this year will be decorated with a decade theme (70s, 80s, 90s, etc.). At the moment, 15 teams of walkers have registered to participate, and most have been fundraising throughout the year.
Fundraising events have included 31 Bingo, a Drag Queen Bingo at the Moose in November that sold out in 24 hours and a Me and My Special Guy Dance at the Waynesburg High School cafeteria. Meant for elementary school girls, who bring along their fathers, grandfathers, uncles or brothers to dance with, the Disney-themed dance drew 255 people and included a DJ, crafts, games and snacks.
Coming up the first week of April, Daffodil Days had the teams preorder cut and potted daffodils, which sell for $10 for a bunch of ten and $15 for a pot which can be transplanted in the ground. Individuals still have time to order their own daffodils by phoning Dillon Spencer at 724-834-9081.
To donate to the American Cancer Society, or to sponsor a team, visit acsevents.com.