Making a Difference!

Patrick County citizens...the most caring and compassionate people anywhere...have just completed another highly successful American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraising campaign that is nearing its goal of $79,000. "When you look at the economic situation, it is phenomenal to see the amount of money you have raised," said Robin Minter, the American Cancer Society's Community Manager for Patrick County. Following the campaign wrap-up banquet on Tuesday night at the Patrick County Community Center, it was reported that Patrick County's 2009 fundraising total has reached $78,542. If we can collect the remaining approximately $500 pledged during the WHEO "Twelve Hours for a Cure" Relay Radio-thon, we will have reached our goal for the third consecutive year. If you haven't yet honored your radio-thon pledge, please send your contribution to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171. We still have until Aug. 31st to credit contributions to this year's campaign and will almost assuredly reach or even top the $79,000 goal.

This money will be well-spent to conduct further research into cancer treatments and cures, and to provide programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers. "You are making it happen. You are saving lives, touching lives everyday. You are making a difference," Mrs. Minter told volunteers. In fact, Mrs. Minter added emphatically, "You are saving my life." An inspiring example of courage herself, ironically, Mrs. Minter, the leader of our war on cancer, just learned several weeks ago (as a result to her visit to the University of Virginia mammography unit that visited Patrick County) she has breast cancer, and she has decided to undergo a radical masectomy. "Cancer is just a word," said Mrs. Minter, "it is not a (death) sentence." "I'm going to fight like a girl; I'm going to win like a woman!" I am sure that she will overcome this hurdle that God has placed in her path and that He will continue to use her and our local Relay for Life volunteers to help others facing cancer. Please pray for Robin and for her father who is also battling cancer.

Receiving special recognition at the June 9th campaign closer were these Relay for Life participants: Top Team--Angels in the Outfield (Ross Harbor United Methodist Chruch)...Top Participant--Sandra Heath (Hilltoppers for a Cure team)...Top Corporate Team--WHEO's Kilowatts for a Cure (in memory of Sandra Rogers); Top Corporate Fundraiser--Richard Rogers (organizer of the WHEO radio-thon which raised over $10,500 of the almost $79,000 total for 2009). I would personally like to thank each of the other Relay for Life teams that worked so hard to help WHEO make the radio-thon so successful, especially considering the state of the economy in Patrick County. This whole fundraising campaign, in particular, and the battle against cancer in our county, in general, has truly been a community-wide effort that has been another resounding success because so many people have come together to support a cause in which they deeply believe. As a result of these efforts, I truly believe that Patrick County has helped bring the world a little bit closer to a cancer-free tomorrow. As Mrs. Minter's words echo in my mind, I believe that we can all take pride in the fact that we truly are "making a difference"!

Thank you all again for your financial support, your time, your energy, and, most of all, your prayers.

God bless Patrick County!
Richard