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The Elgin community gathered April 26 at Veterans Memorial Park to honor hope, resilience and remembrance as the city ceremoniously rang the Relay for Life bell for the 20th time.
The event, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s research, patient care and advocacy efforts, has brought in nearly $1 million locally over two decades, according to organizers. This year’s Relay blended celebration and reflection—live music, good food and raffles kept spirits high, while neighbors shared tears and moments of remembrance.
“We gathered not just as individuals but as a united community bound by a shared commitment to fight against cancer,” Krista Marx said, event co-lead and 18-year Relay participant. “We have walked, we have run, we have rallied together.”
Marx acknowledged the pain of loss, honoring those “stolen” by cancer, but recognized that hope is far more powerful than any disease.
“Hope is the light that guides us through the darkest times. It’s the belief that tomorrow can be better, that treatments can improve, that cures can be found,” she said. “Hope is what drives our researchers, inspires our caregivers and fuels the determination of every survivor.”
For cancer survivors like Dorothy Brown, the support of others proved essential.
“When you have cancer, you think ‘that’s it, you’re never going to get rid of it,’” said Brown, who has been cancer-free for four years.
Brown encouraged women to stay vigilant with mammogram screenings but reminded the crowd that cancer is as diverse as each and every person, equally as detrimental to men.
“I’m blessed,” she added, watching her great-grandchildren play nearby.
Donations poured in as the community came together, including some “bail money” from volunteers Johnny and Mimi Klemm. Both cancer survivors themselves, the pair ran a makeshift jail fundraiser where participants were “arrested” and held in a horse trailer until bailed out, with all proceeds going back to the cause that brought everyone together.
As is tradition, the survivors’ lap rounded out the celebration, where survivors, caregivers, those fighting cancer and those honoring loved ones all walked a lap around the park. Each participant had the opportunity to ring a bell at the finish line, marking the milestones traveled and reached.
To commemorate the event, organizers released American lady butterflies—comparing the symbol of transformation to a cancer patient’s journey.
“Sometimes we have to go through the goo, but then we find the light and we get to fly,” Marx said.
