For nearly a decade local citizens from Christian Reformed Church, 300 W. South Street, Morrison, IL, have supported the efforts of American Cancer Society Relay For Life. T-shirts spanning the last three years proclaim determined slogans: “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.” from 2012 and 2013; “Finish The Fight” is new for 2014. These dedicated volunteers are warriors in t-shirts, steadfast in their determination.
Various shirts were worn by members of the church’s Relay For Life Team, Barnabas Support Group, at a fundraising cookout, Saturday, June 28, 2014, on the Community State Bank “Cookout Corner.” Shown left-to-right are Jane Pessman, Bernita Schaver, sister-in-law Mary Schaver, (an attractive photo-bomber wearing a different support shirt,) and Marian Dykema.
Gene Ottens stated that twice a year the group holds sandwich sales, and in March they host a soup supper. Funds are donated to the Relay For Life organization. There are “approximately 14 members” from the church, including “some cancer survivors outside the church. We have a lot of people here, families, touched by cancer….”
His late wife, Phyllis, had booked the cookout date with Community State Bank learlier in the year, long before her unexpected death nine days ago, on Thursday, June 19, 2014. Arlyn Pessman, right, paused in his grilling chores with Rich Holesinger to state, “She was a trooper!” Ottens added his wife was skilled [at organizing.] “They’re doing [the event], because they thought that much of her.”
Ironically, Phyllis, age 73, had “survived breast cancer 15 years ago. She was just starting to enjoy her retirement and had crocheted a big afghan. ” Following foot surgery, she developed a blood clot and lost her life.
“That girl’s walking on golden streets right now,” her husband concluded.
David Schaver, Barnbas Group member, transfers fresh meat from the grill at the end of the serving table.
