By Rhonda Westfall

If you're starting a new life together, what better way can there be of celebrating than walking laps at the Sixth Annual Clinton County 24-Hour Relay for Life?

While you're at it, why not ask your guests to make a contribution to the 'Fight Against Cancer" - instead of buying that toaster or can opener as a gift?

A bit unorthodox, perhaps, but that's the plan for Ed Hafner and Cindy Longoria's wedding day, May 18.

"Once we realized that the date was the same as the start of the Relay, we thought it would be a nice idea to do a few laps between the wedding and reception," the bride-to-be says of the couple's idea to participate in the Relay for Life that begins at 5:45 p.m. and concludes at 6 p.m., May 19.

"Then we thought, why not take it a step further and ask for donations in lieu of wedding gifts - it just seemed like the right thing to do."

Like the estimated 1,000 other walkers who will fill the track at the St. Johns High School football field during the fund-raising event, Ed and Cindy have friends and relatives who are battling the all-too-common disease - or who have lost the fight.

"There's a student right now at Gateway who is undergoing treatment, and several individuals - like Kaye Waggoner - are survivors," Ed says of friends at the elementary school in St. Johns where the couple work. "Everyone has been touched by this disease in one way or another."

That fact - and a caring community - has made the Clinton County Relay for Life a leader among similar events in the state.

"We have so many wonderful volunteers who help make this happen every year - and great business and individual sponsors," says Kathy Miller of Fowler, co-chairperson again this year along with her husband, Bob.

Advance work that is done by those individuals and businesses is a key reason for the Relay's success in raising funds, she says.

"Judy May, the leader of the Dana Corporation team, reported they have raised $800 already in an employee hot dog lunch, bake sale, and pizza party," Kathy says. An avid sponsor of the Relay, Dana is also selling Avon Bears and raffle tickets for a go-kart.

Back Roads Bar & Grill in Fowler generated 'pre-Relay' funds through a Spring Fling and euchre and bowling tournaments, while the Lear Corporation in Elsie and UAW Local 1660 raised nearly $1,500 in a sloppy-joe dinner and bake sale. The manufacturing facility and its union members are also selling raffle tickets prior to the Relay for Life.

Groups of family members have also been busy generating pledges and advance donations. Will the Fitzpatrick Family 'out-raise' Motz in Motion this year - or maybe it will be the White clan?

Not that it matters - the real winner is the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Organizers hope to top the nearly $115,000 that was raised last year.

A popular way for individuals to make contributions is through the purchase of a luminary. More than 4,000 of the white-lit symbols will line the track during the Luminary Ceremony that takes place at 9 p.m., Friday evening.

"The ceremony is dedicated in honor and memory of all those individuals who have fought the battle with cancer," Kathy says.