Relay For Life: Putting words into action

Bonnie Morris
Posted 7/19/18

MENDOTA – We often hear the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” For Dan Brooks, that phrase took on a whole new meaning after he was diagnosed with cancer 2-1/2 years ago.

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Relay For Life: Putting words into action

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Dan Brooks delivers the “Survivor Speech” during the Relay For Life of Upper Illinois Valley’s opening ceremony on July 14. (Reporter photo by Bonnie Morris)

MENDOTA – We often hear the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” For Dan Brooks, that phrase took on a whole new meaning after he was diagnosed with cancer 2-1/2 years ago.

Brooks, who gave the “Survivor Speech” at this year’s Relay For Life of Upper Illinois Valley on July 14, recalled initially feeling shock, fear and anxiety after receiving his cancer diagnosis. With support from family and friends, he eventually realized that he needed to change his attitude, accept that he had cancer and face it head on.

While looking for information on the American Cancer Society website, Brooks came across their “Road to Recovery” program and became interested. He explained that the program’s volunteer drivers take cancer patients, who have no other means of transportation, to receive their cancer treatments. Thus began a life-changing journey for Brooks.

“The Road to Recovery program began in 1985 and just in the last 10 years, 6.5 million riders across the U.S. have received transportation from the program,” Brooks noted. “Sadly, in rural areas like this, it’s a little more difficult to find drivers.”

While Brooks thought Road to Recovery sounded like a good program, it was not until he heard a speaker talk about the importance of connecting with people that he decided to actually get involved. Brooks remembered sitting in the audience, listening to the speaker and feeling as if the words were being directed at him. “He said, ‘To the extent that you are willing to inconvenience yourself, to be of service to another person, is the extent to which you walk with God,’” Brooks recalled. “That hit me right between the eyes.”

Inspired by that message, Brooks went back to the ACS website and started the process to become a volunteer driver. “Words are beautiful but they have no power if you don’t put action behind them,” he emphasized. “For me, this would be taking action - not just something you talk about, something you do.”

As a volunteer driver, Brooks said he was happy to report that he has been able to drive 16 different cancer patients to treatment. “Every one of those riders has given me the opportunity to grow and become stronger,” he said, explaining that the car rides are an opportunity to speak from the heart and really get to know another person.

Brooks spoke of one rider in particular who he got to know quite well over the course of a year. The man was “full of fun” and shared many wonderful stories and a lifetime of experiences during that time. Although he has since passed away, Brooks recalled fondly the positive impact that man made on him. His experiences as a volunteer driver left Brooks to wonder who benefited the most from those rides, the driver or the patient.  

In closing, Brooks, who also began a cancer support group in Peru, encouraged everyone to look for ways to be of service to others, especially through Road to Recovery. “Give it a try,” he said. “You will help another person and it will build your heart even more so.”

Also speaking was Dan Manullang of Ottawa, who talked about the progress that has been made in cancer treatment over the past couple decades. Although these advances offer hope, often the treatments are very expensive. “Thank you for your support, the research, education and advocacy,” he said.

Manullang also spoke to the importance of having support from loved ones, friends and community, along with the power of prayer. “I thank everyone and the Relay UIV for all you do,” he said. “There is so much more that could be done. We need you and groups like you now and into the future.”

Other participants in this year’s opening ceremony included Mendota VFW Post 4079, which presented the flag; Sophie Holland, recipient of the American Legion Award during this year’s 8th grade graduation, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; Virjean Haywood, who sang the National Anthem; and Rev. Mary Bohall of First United Methodist Church Mendota, who gave the invocation.

This year’s Relay, which was held at the Mendota High School gym, drew over 200 attendees to the Saturday evening event. Relay committee member Sandi Maas said there were 24 registered Relay teams and about half of those set up “camp” during the event. A catered Survivors Dinner was held in the cafeteria just prior to the Relay with 57 survivors and their caregivers enjoying a free dinner.

Maas noted that they had about 500 luminarias, lit with glow sticks, lining the gym for the Luminaria Ceremony. Music for the emotional ceremony was provided by a bagpiper. 

So far, $54,408 has been raised for 2018 but Maas noted that donations can be made toward this year’s Relay until Aug. 31. She also expressed her appreciation to all of the volunteers who helped including a number of Sweet Corn Festival queen candidates, Northbrook band students, MHS baseball team members as well as other students and community members.

This year’s Relay Leadership Team included Nancy Jackson, Rita Borelli, Linda Kofoid, Elissa Borelli, Ashley Montgomery, Jesse Arellano, Sandi Maas, Mitch Landgraf, Brenda Grobe, Polly Inman and Nancy Withrow.

Looking ahead, next year a special “March to a Million” Relay is in the very early planning stages. Relay For Life of Upper Illinois Valley will mark 10 years in 2019 with a goal of reaching the $1 million mark in fundraising over that time. “We’re excited and very pumped about next year,” Maas said. “It’s amazing that a small community has been able to raise that amount of money in such a short time.”

The 2019 Relay will move back to Lake Mendota and take place on Saturday, July 13. To honor this anniversary year, it will be a “homecoming” event, in which teams and individuals from the past 10 years will be invited to return. Additional details about March to a Million will be posted on a website designed specifically for next year’s Relay at www.1mil.org. The website will be operational beginning on Sept. 1.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the 2018 Relay For Life UIV may do so at www.relayforlife.org/upperillinoisvalleyil.