Diagnosis isn't stopping Relay chairwoman
By KALEY LYON
Mary Befort has been working to plan the Ellis County Relay for Life since last year's event ended.
A nine-year breast cancer survivor and passionate advocate of research and awareness, Befort has shown no signs of slowing down since diagnosed with cancer again in March.
"It's a real important part of my life and my family's life," Befort said of the event. "I wouldn't consider not doing it."
Since diagnosed with breast and kidney cancer, Befort, this year's committee co-chair, has undergone two surgeries and is slated to begin chemotherapy next week. She's feeling good, however, and is looking forward to the event.
She's even asked to schedule treatments so that she'll be able to attend.
"I'm doing OK," she said. "I'm anxious to get started (with treatment) so I can get done."
This year's American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be June 6 and 7 at the Felten Middle School track. The Ellis County committee has opted for a pirate theme, with the slogan "relay or walk the plank."
More than 20 teams already have registered and others are encouraged to sign up, Befort said.
And individuals who are not part of a team also are welcome to attend the free event and show their support, she said.
Fundraising efforts already are well under way -- there will be a bake sale and raffle at The Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to benefit the relay.
At the heart of the event, of course, is the desire to raise money for cure-finding research, she said.
"One thing is that if we didn't have relay and the American Cancer Society, I probably wouldn't be here because of the drugs and treatments that I've had," Befort said. "I like to stress that if we don't do research, then we're never going to find a cure for cancer."
This year's event will see some changes -- a new fight back ceremony has been added to represent the dedication to finding a cure, she said.
"It's just a time to celebrate survivors and the success of the American Cancer Society," Befort said. "We're going to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer. We're going to keep fighting until we find a cure."
Befort has been a relay team member for almost a decade. Alongside family and friends, she'll be walking the track and raising funds for her team, Mary's Miracle Walkers.
The team tries to find new ways to raise money -- they have cookbooks for sale and will begin collecting raffle tickets for a donated playhouse Saturday at The Mall.
Fighting cancer truly is a family affair -- her teammates include her mother, her two children, her sister, an aunt, a cousin and several friends. Her husband and other relatives also are involved in the fundraising, she said.
"To me, the most important thing when you're going through cancer is, try to stay positive," Befort said. "Have confidence in your doctors and caregivers, and the support of family and friends."
There will be Relay for Life a bake sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at The Mall.
For more information, or to register for the relay, call co-chairwomen Mary Befort or Mary Rohlf at (785) 735-2878 or (785) 623-1196.
