Relay for LIfe remains personal for organizer

For Jonna Shepherd, the annual Hope Relay for Life remains a very personal mission. Shepherd and her family first took part in 2009, when her husband, Larry, was in remission for breast cancer. 

After his passing, she says the annual event is a way to keep his passion alive. In the nine years that Hope has had a Relay, the event has raised more than $160,000. 

"I know that in bigger cities that is what they  make in one Relay, but this is where I get sentimental," Shepherd told the Town Council last month. "This town means a lot to me. And the Relay meant a lot to my husband. That is why I continue to strive to make this the best Relay we can."

This year's goal is $18,000, she said.

The annual event is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the Hope Town Square. This year's event will feature Randy Ollis, weatherman at WISH-TV, who will be giving the survivor speech at the bandstand at 9:30 a.m. Ollis has been public about his battle with cancer, chronicling his treatment on air. 

"He is actually coming to Hope, Indiana and he is going to tell his story..." Shepherd said. "We are hoping that is going to be a big draw. We are striving to get more people to come to the Relay."

The community continues to get behind the annual event, Shepherd said. The students at Hope Elementary School have been doing a coin drive for the past three years, raising nearly $2,000, she said. The large signs on each corner of the Town Square are painted by Hauser students. . 

The Hartsville Volunteer Fire Department will be holding a fish fry from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to raise money for the cause. Shepherd said that the Hope Volunteer Fire Department will be acting as medics during the event.