Presenting 2013 Relay honorary co-chairs

Husband and wife LeRoy and Twyla Mitchell, are Honorary Relay for Life Co Chairs in Chisago County this year. They have an amazing story with Twyla experiencing breast cancer in 2002 and LeRoy experiencing throat cancer in 2007. Twyla had no family history of the disease and went through the typical surgeries and therapies with wonderful results.

She was given overwhelming support from her family, friends, work and church and feels this gave her strength to fight the disease. LeRoy said he basically had never been sick a day of his life but on a 4th of July vacation, he just was not feeling well, went into the ER and was found to have Stage IV tonsil cancer. After six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, huge weight loss, some hearing loss, throat constrictions and dry mouth, he does feel wonderful now. He learned so much during his cancer journey.

He says “ The experience changed my life, and I re-learned to really live, appreciate my energy, my faith, friends and church.” Twyla felt it was much harder to be LeRoy’s care taker than fighting the disease itself. Both advise everyone to be very aware of changes in their bodies, advocate with the health systems if you think something is different and ask lots and lots of questions until you understand the medical plan for yourself. This year the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays, celebrates 100 years of saving lives, just like LeRoy’s and Twyla’s. Join the celebration, experience the fun and support the teams in their fundraising by coming out to eat on Friday, July 19, 5:30pm at the Almelund Threshing Grounds on Highway 95 east of Almelund.

And, YES, the road will be open coming from the west but there is a detour from Taylors Falls - just follow the signs. If you can not come, please donate at www.relayforlife. org/chisagomn