SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – According to the American Cancer Society, one in three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life raises funds that are used to improve those numbers, and in honor of National Volunteer Week April 19 – 25, the society is asking for everyone’s help in the fight against cancer.
“Research shows that Native Americans have lower cancer survival rates, and Relay For Life raises money that can be used to fight cancer and to increase those survival rates,” said Roberta Cahill, a Yankton Sioux and an ACS staff member.
Not only does Relay For Life raise money to fight cancer, but it also raises awareness about cancer and the importance of healthy living.
“Relay For Life exposes people to the significance of exercise, healthy eating, lifestyle considerations related to smoking and alcohol, prevention and detection programs for cancer, and the role that spirituality plays in overall wellness,” Cahill said.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is an activity in which teams of people ask for donations and, in return, those teams walk or run around a track overnight, often continuing for 24 hours. Each person on a team takes turns being on the track, and teams are asked to have someone on the track at all times. Relay For Life events take place all over the nation.
Every year, more Native Americans join in the fight against cancer by volunteering for their local Relay For Life. And while Relay For Life may be the American Cancer Society’s most well-known fundraiser, as of early last year no Indian reservation in South Dakota had ever held one, according to Cahill.
Wanting to do their part to help in the fight against cancer, the residents of the Todd County Rosebud Indian Reservation held its first Relay in 2008, which they dubbed “Rockin’ on the Rez.”
“Rockin’ on the Rez” began when two teachers in Mission, S.D., who were both advisors of the Todd County High School National Honor Society and on the Relay Committee, suggested the NHS students organize a mini-relay for children to promote the Todd County Relay For Life.
Nearly 300 students were involved in the event.
The mini-relay included a prayer, a salute to the flag, and an exhibition by a Native American youth drum group. Later that night, at the Relay For Life kickoff, the students were praised for raising more than $2,000.
In September, Todd County’s first Relay For Life was held in Mission. The opening ceremony featured a survivor and caregiver reception, a presentation of the colors by the Sicangu Lakota Warriors Color Guard and Boy Scouts, and a Flag Song performed by a drum group.
Georgia Kills In Water, a survivor chairperson, said it was a great way to help those affected by cancer.
“I recognized many people in attendance who were touched by cancer in one way or another; some who lost their loved ones to the disease, others who are survivors. We all have friends or relatives who have cancer or who have lost their battle to the disease.”
Whitney Meek, a co-chair of the Relay For Life, was impressed that so many people came out to work together to fight cancer. “I hope that this event will grow with more teams and participants.”
“Cancer awareness has come to Indian country,” Kills In Water said. “Cancer affects everyone; it is not discriminatory.”
If you would like to become involved with Relay For Life locally, visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site or call (800) ACS-2345.
For information about this article, contact Charlotte Hofer, American Cancer Society at charlotte.hofer@cancer.org.
Editor’s Note: The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For cancer information anytime, call (800) 227-2345.
