Motherhouse team walks to beat cancer

Sisters, staff, family and friends came together Saturday evening to begin the annual 12-hour Cloud County Relay for Life.

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The 22-member Nazareth Motherhouse team, led by captains Alfreda Maley and Sister Dorothy Marquez, joined scores of others from throughout Cloud County in the annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This year’s event was held at Concordia city Park, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 10). It concludes at 6 a.m. Sunday.

After the ceremonies that marked the start of the Relay, the walking itself began — with a lap through the park by cancer survivors. They were joined by their family and caregivers near the swimming pool and together released dozens of balloons into the balmy evening sky.

The Motherhouse team raised $4,597 this year through the sale of luminarias honoring cancer survivors and those who have died of the disease. Together, the half dozen or so teams that took part this year  raised $27,845. In 2010, the Concordia event raised $29,900.

The Motherhouse team also raised funds with their concession stand, selling hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks.

Sisters on the team this year were Sisters Lucille Herman, Betty Suther, Marcia Allen, Slyvia Winterscheidt, Ramona Medina, Esther Pineda and Shirley Meier. Other team members were Katie Koerber, Cam Koerber, Jesica Collins, Kayla Ramsey, Cheryl Lyn Higgins, Dottie Vohs, Marcia Mick, Rita Collette, Mary Jane Gallagher, Rope Dorman, Michelle Gallagher, Tryston Jochems and Vikki Jochems. Greg and Jerry Gallagher and Burl Maley were also on hand to help with the cooking and set up.