Help make Relay a local success



She was a pretty little thing. Only 13 years old; with big brown eyes and coal black hair. Always ready for a good time; game to go at the drop of a hat.

I noticed she’d lost a little weight and didn’t seem to have her usual amount of energy. Then a little lump came up on her thigh. A trip to the doctor; the normal drawing of blood; nothing conclusive. In fact, nothing conclusive even after several trips to the doctor. She was given steroids which merely masked the fact that she was getting weaker day by day. Until one morning when I woke her up — and she stumbled and fell. After an emergency run to the hospital, our Shelby died that day.

All those months of inconclusive tests and medication and roller coaster ups and downs. Until that very last day it was not confirmed that she was a victim of cancer. We were asked if we wanted to bring her home or leave her at the hospital so they could continue to pump her full of liquids and nutrition to keep her alive just a while longer. We all agreed; she’d been put through enough. It was time for her to take her place in heaven. We brought her home to familiar surroundings.

Shelby was our beloved dog. I don’t mean to compare the loss of our adored pet with the devastation of losing a family member or friend. My only intention is to point out that cancer is a killer and causes excruciating heartache to those left behind.

I cannot even imagine the fear of knowing that cancer has invaded my body. I freeze at the thought of facing cancer with my husband or children or grandchildren. But it could happen. The chances are very real. And that’s why I Relay.

It is true that in May the weather is unpredictable, but the possibility of bad weather hasn’t kept the Relay For Life Planning Committee from making plans for a better-than-ever Relay. Our theme this year is “Building a Cancer Free World.” We’re offering you entertainment and exercise; music and mascots; clowns and cards; games and glamour; food and fun laps, balloons and bingo. We’re doing it all - hoping that — if we build it — you will come.

This will be Clark County’s 14th Relay For Life event. We’re extending an invitation to everyone to join us at Jeffersonville High School on May 9 at 7 p.m. to live the Relay Experience for an hour or two or even all night if you wish.

Anyone can help us Build a Cancer Free World. If you can’t form a team, find someone to donate money. If you cannot donate money, give a gift from the heart — volunteer your time or talent; crochet us an afghan, throw in a gift certificate for a round of golf or a haircut or a flower arrangement, volunteer to entertain.

Or just be trackside; or, bite my tongue, inside if it rains. We need your support and your presence. This is important to us, and to you, and to generations to come. We’re going to fight this disease the only way we know how, by raising money for research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

Please join us in our endeavor. Help us Build a Cancer Free World.

— Margie A. Fetter, Clark County RFL Planning Committee Member



Saying goodbye to Community friend



The Community Kitchen said goodbye to Virginia Slaughter, a good and faithful servant for the last 18 years who died on March 25.

Virginia suffered her fatal condition at home about fifteen minutes before she was scheduled to join our kitchen crew last Tuesday. We gathered in our morning prayer to grieve her loss and to pray for the well being of her husband, Harold, who is also a member of our crew. We are saddened by the loss.

Virginia was blessed with a kind heart, a radiant smile and a cheerful optimism. She was 82 years young and remained active in her church and other organizations. Virginia and Harold inspired us by their longtime commitment to the Community Kitchen. She will be sorely missed by our crew and the needy we serve.

One day she said to me, “We need young people, we are getting old.” It is no small irony that Virginia passed at home while preparing to join our work crew. How inspiring is that?

We have been touched by an angel — called home.

— Jerry Jacobi, Jeffersonville



Congratulations all around to ‘spectacular’ Bulldogs



What a celebrated year the Bulldogs of New Albany had this season. They gave the fans, the students and the entire community something to be proud of.

I was delighted that so many fans supported the team’s efforts in the tourney. I also encourage all the supporters to become a full-time fan and support the Bulldogs throughout the season by attending games at New Albany High School. You will be able to watch the team develop and I know you will be even more supportive come tournament time. It is the best weekend entertainment for the money that you can find.

Congratulations to all the members of the team who helped make this past season one that we will remember for many seasons. Your outstanding play, effort and sportsmanship were spectacular and we will remember each one of you for your contribution to the success of this team.

I also want to thank Debbie Webb for her recent letter in The Tribune. It was an excellent letter — I could not have said it better myself.

Special thanks to Coach Shannon and his staff for their outstanding job. We appreciate all their many efforts.

You are champions!

— Ron Schad, New Albany