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Relay For Life Gearing Up

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By JOYCE McKENZIE jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: October 8, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - When Cindy Kocher heard the words "lung cancer" come out of her doctor's mouth in mid-July, she likely reacted the way others do when diagnosed with a disease that, according to the American Cancer Society, kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined.

"Like everyone else, I went through the sadness and the anger," said the longtime Temple Terrace resident and avid volunteer who underwent surgery July 22 to remove the stage 1 carcinoma from the lower lobe of her left lung.

The surgery was a success, and Kocher was named honorary chairwoman of the 2009 Temple Terrace Relay for Life on March 27-28 at Greco Middle School.

Today she calls her bout with lung cancer a "gift."

"If my commitment in life is to help other people, then I thank God for this gift," said Kocher, who is back to her fulltime work at the Northside Mental Health Center and looks forward to the spring event where she will be among other survivors and volunteers committed to raising money to help cure cancer.

Russ Oberbroeckling is chairing the event for the second time.

"Our goal this year is a very ambitious $200,000, 25 percent more than last year and twice as much as we raised when I was the event chair in 2006," he said.

Cheryl Hedrick, an American Cancer Society community representative who oversees the event, said last year's Temple Terrace Relay for Life participants raised the most money of all 15 relays under the jurisdiction of the cancer society's Greater Tampa Unit.

"I think they are a very passionate group of volunteers who are there to help year after year," she said. "Most of their schools and community organizations are dedicated to the cause, and the city of Temple Terrace is very involved."

The Relay for Life kickoff, during which Kocher will tell her story, is Oct. 14 at the Woodmont Clubhouse. Melodye Sheffer, a supporter of the overnight relay event and former caregiver to her husband, Jim, who died of cancer in 2007, also will be a speaker.

Strike Out Cancer, a fundraising event that will benefit Relay for Life, is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Terrace Sports, 5311 E. Busch Blvd. The cost for adults is $10 per person, including shoes, and $8 for children under age 12. Light appetizers and soft drinks will be served.

In addition, a yard sale will take place at 8 a.m. Nov. 1 in Terrace Plaza at the southeast corner of 56th Street and Busch Boulevard.

"What we do helps save lives, even those of people we don't know," said Oberbroeckling, who for the 14th year will participate in Relay for Life on behalf of his nephew and sister, both of whom are cancer survivors.

"A lot of folks don't know about it, so we want to get them exposed to this great event. We know that someone they know, be it a family member or friend, has been affected by cancer."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 2009 Temple Terrace Relay for Life Kickoff

WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Oct. 14

WHERE: Woodmont Clubhouse, 415 Woodmont Ave.

INFORMATION: (813) 988-4656

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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