Bringing local life back into Relay for Life: Spieker makes it her mission
by Karin L. Nauber
Roseanne “Rosie” Spieker of Long Prairie has a mission.
The mission?
To get Todd County (Long Prairie, Grey Eagle, Browerville and areas beyond) actively involved in The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay For Life.
It used to be an annual event in Long Prairie with people from all over the area coming to participate and raise money to help with the fight against cancer.
Then about three years ago, local organizers were told that their event would no longer be held because of budget cuts and employee downsizing at the ACS.
According to an article in the July 25, 2018 Independent News Herald, “The event, which typically took place in early to mid-June, was not held this year because, according to American Cancer Society Area Representative Angie Thaxton, ‘Decisions had to be made based on participation. An option was given for them [Long Prairie] to take on the event themselves locally or to join with another group.’
“Thaxton said that it came down to how many staff they have to help with local events.”
At that time in 2018 there were discussions about doing a smaller scale event, but not much happened.
But Spieker, who is herself a cancer survivor, wants a Todd County team to participate in the Relay for Life, even if one can’t be held in Todd County at this time.
She has put together a team and called it BGELP CARES. It stands for Browerville, Grey Eagle and Long Prairie.