The Remke family has been involved in Relay for Life since 2006. After her father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005, Missy Remke decided to attend an informational meeting. She signed up to be team captain with her husband and four kids and credits the event for bringing her family together and helping them through hard times. “We’ve lost friends and family and we know survivors,” Remke says. “We’ve decided as a family that this is really important to us.”
Last winter, Remke helped to organize a Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising event during a boys’ basketball game at East Ridge High School. “We’re just looking at any way throughout the year to raise money and awareness for this great cause,” she says.
When her older children left for college, Remke’s son Michael stepped up as team coach. Last year his team, named “People are Good,” raised $3,400 to contribute to the total of $163,000 raised by the entire relay. Michael says that his inspiration stems from seeing what a difference Relay for Life can make for people. “My favorite part is walking around the track with my mom and dad at 2 or 3 in the morning, talking about great memories of my grandpa and aunt who both passed away, and realizing how lucky and blessed we are,” he says.
South Washington County Relay for Life
June 10-11
6 p.m.-6 a.m.
East Ridge High School
