Advertisement He just never thought he would join their ranks.
“Little did I know I would be doing a cancer survivor lap,” Kember said. “You never believe you will come down with cancer yourself.”
Kember is in remission after he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in November 2006.
Doctors found one tumor at the base of his tongue and three tumors on the left side of his neck. He received a grueling treatment regimen involving radiation and chemotherapy.
He’s been cancer-free for about 16 months and will be at the Relay For Life tonight, serving as the honorary chairman.
“I saw it as a small way for me to give back to the community that always supported me during a difficult time in my own life,” Kember said. “It was the support of this community that really helped carry me through.”
Twenty-three teams and more than 160 people already have registered to take turns walking or running around the Logan High School track all night. The event has been moved from the stadium at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse because of construction.
They’ll be camping and creating a party-like atmosphere with a movie theme to raise funds for the American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy and service locally, statewide and nationally.
Participants already had raised more than $9,300 on Thursday afternoon. Top teams included the La Crosse School District, Gensler, Tropsharts, CCU Pink Ladies and T-Birds, and Trackers.
Kember said the donations are good news for the future of cancer research.
Opening ceremonies and the cancer survivors’ lap are at 6 p.m. today and will be followed by the 9:30 p.m. luminaria ceremony with caregivers reception.
Purchased luminarias will line the high school track to honor those who have survived their battle with cancer, are still fighting and those who have battled but lost. “This is one of my favorite parts,” Kember said. “It’s a pretty cool event.”
The Relay will conclude with a closing ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday.
“If people have never been, I encourage them to come. This is a great opportunity to show how much you support others going through challenging times,” Kember said. “I think it can be inspirational and encouraging. It’s a tremendous tribute to all who have been fighting this disease.”
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
