Mercer County Relay for Life Radiothon emphasizes local stories about hope, resilience and early detection – WRMJ.com

The Relay for Life of Mercer County Radiothon brought emotional and inspiring stories to the air waves when local cancer survivors and supporters shared their trips to promote early detection and to collect important means for cancer research and support services.

Annette Doonan and Melissa Hajostek from the Ministry of Health of Mercer County emphasized the importance of preventive care and early screening. Through programs such as the Illinois breast and cervix cancer program, they help the residents with critical screenings and aftercare care. Thanks to grants and partnerships with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Mercer Foundation for Health, resources are available for those who need mammograms and cervical cancer screenings. “We are making progress, but between 20 and 30 percent of women in Mercer County still don't get their annual cervical demonstrations,” said Doonan. “Five years ago it was over 50 percent, so we gain ground.”

Jason Parchert shared his father Jerry Partridge, who died from Melanoma in 1993, a touching homage. Jason thought about how far cancer treatments came thanks to the efforts of the American Cancer Society, and wished that such progress had been available during his father's fight. Jason also played a moving original song about his father, who reminded the listeners of the powerful effects that can be recognized at an early stage and have research financing.

Jen Thompson, who lived in Taylor Ridge, personally remembered being her own lawyer in terms of health. After a second biopsy had lived with a continued lip pain for more than a decade, a second biopsy showed that could have been caught in the past. Jen emphasized how progress in procedures such as MOHS surgery, supported by research by the American Cancer Society, enabled precise treatment. As a long -term supporter of the relay, she emphasized the importance of donations for the financing of technologies and treatments that save lives.

Jimmy Unsworth bravely shared his persistent fight against a rare brain tumor, which is known as an oligodendrogliom. Jimmy diagnoses after years of inexplicable symptoms and was subjected to surgery, proton therapy and chemotherapy, whereby a positive spirit was continuously maintained. “If your body tells you something, you will be checked,” he asked the audience. Jimmy's story illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing research, especially in rare types of cancer.

In the entire radio, the listeners were reminded that hope from the support of the community, the progress in research and strength of survivors and supervisors comes alike. Donations during the event will continue to finance life -saving screenings, treatments and research to fight cancer and to honor those we have lost.

In order to support the matter, donations can continue to be made on telephone number 309-582-5666.