2017 Relay for Life Battles Rainfall

(2017 CANCER SURVIVOR SPEAKER JILL QUANDT)

When the forecast called for spotty showers, the organizers of the 2017 Effingham County Relay for Life didn't know that Teutopolis Junior High School would be the spot for the showers.

Not one but two delays in the early part of the proceedings had volunteers scrambling to keep things on track, but the night turned out fine.

The second rain shower came just as this year's Cancer Survivor speaker Jill Quandt was making her speech. Quandt didn't let the rain stop her, although her remarks were somewhat curtailed. The rain water got into the PA system, leaving organizer Becky Kinman to use a bullhorn for a portion of her remarks.

Everyone could hear, though, when local Relay Chairman Ron Mietzner announced a new award was being given to Kinman. It's the "Cheryl Boone Spirit Award", named in honor of the cancer crusader and victim who died just weeks ago. "Boonie" was a major participant in Relay for many years. It was an emotional moment, and Kinman fought back tears as she began her early remarks.

(A GROUP OF SURVIVORS AND SUPPORTERS WAS INTRODUCED THAT OFFER SUPPORT TO OTHERS AND TO RELAY)

Local attorney Scott Ealy was back for another year as Master of Ceremonies. 

While the Survivor lap and Caregiver lap was delayed by the weather, it still took place and modifications were made to the schedule in order to hold other annual events, including the Luminaria lap at 9pm.