Rainfall forced the cancellation of Friday’s Otoe County’s Relay for Life event, but participants say the fight against cancer will go on.

A group calling themselves “Mothers Lil’ Angels” stayed on the track late into the evening despite persistent rain that fell through the afternoon and puddled on the campgrounds.

The team captain, known by the group as “Peaches,” said they had raised about $15,000 from two bowling tournaments, a bake sale, golf tournament and silent auction.
They met with other participants on the track for a prayer and balloon launch.

FCCLA students from Nebraska City High School held a bake sale and community picnic on the practice field west of the high school. They had built a castle and dressed in costume for the 2009 relay’s theme of medieval times.

Mary Johnson, FCCLA sponsor, said although the event was rained out, she was proud of the students’ participation in jousting with horses made of cardboard, swordplay and dungeon fundraiser.

Patty Madsen, committee chairman, said the committee made the decision to cancel because of the wet conditions posed safety issues.

Duane Arends, a cancer survivor, said there is a lot more at stake than a single event.
“We are out to cure cancer and that fight will continue rain or shine,” he said. “The rain did not dampen our spirit or our commitment to finding a cure,” he said.

Otoe County raised $60,000 for the American Cancer Society by Friday and Lori Carper of the county committee said she hopes additional contributions will still come in.

Over 1,000 luminaries were placed along the track and remained through the night in honor of survivors and in remembrance for those who are gone.