By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
April 14, 2001
QUITMAN Gloria Gilbert never gave much thought to a fund-raising event called Relay for Life.
A native of Spokane, Wash., she had lived in Clarke County less than a year when the annual project to raise money for the American Cancer Society unfolded last spring on the walking track at the Quitman Recreational Complex.
Last July, Gilbert was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She underwent successful surgery and preventive chemotherapy.
Gilbert is well now and credits her health to God, her doctors and the support she received from her friends and family. Now she wants to give something back.
Gilbert is one of hundreds of people in Clarke County working to raise money for the Relay For Life, which is set for April 27-28. So far, 28 teams have been organized and, while no special goal has been set, organizers hope to top last year's $63,000 mark.
Gilbert, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977, had experience in dealing with a dread disease. She maintains that keeping a positive attitude plays a big role in dealing with the disease.
Gilbert is looking forward to the start of the Relay For Life, in which all cancer survivors walk the first lap.
Gilbert is a master when it comes crochet. She likes to make flags, and has crocheted a U.S. flag as it looked in 1901 that will be presented to the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce during the Relay for Life. She has also started raising money for effort.
Events going on throughout the night will mark Relay For Life. Peggy Doggett, one of the organizers, said area church choirs have been invited to participate in a "Battle of the Choirs," which starts at 7 p.m.
A raffle for a Brett Farve autographed football is also under way, and is receiving a good response, Doggett said.
For more information on the Clarke County Relay for Life, call Doggett at 776-6911.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.