MOUNT VERNON — College student Jase Jensen of Lisbon, who underwent surgery and chemotherapy to become cancer-free, will speak at the opening ceremonies Friday, May 12, for the American Cancer Society’s 4th Annual Relay For Life at Cornell College.
Jensen was entering his senior year at Coe College when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer last summer. He underwent emergency surgery to remove the cancerous testicle. When the cancer spread to his lymph nodes he underwent chemotherapy and eventually received a cancer-free diagnosis. He remained in school during his treatments, active as the student body president, homecoming king and a member of the Kohawks’ football and baseball teams. He is honorary chairman of the 2006 Linn County Relay For Life in June.
An estimated 350 people are expected to walk or run around the outdoor track at Cornell’s Ash Park from 8 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday, May 13. Money raised by 33 teams – 20 from Cornell, eight from area schools and five from the community – will help finance cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. The fund-raising goal is $37,000. Last year’s take was $32,000. Raising $30,000 this year would put the Cornell Relay For Life over $100,000 in its four-year history.
Survivors will be honored Friday in a special service that includes a survivors’ lap and luminaria ceremony, starting between 8:30 and 9 p.m. With the theme “History in the Making,” the 12-hour event will feature entertainment, games and educational materials focused on different eras, from prehistoric times to the future. There will be a silent auction of items from downtown Mount Vernon businesses, and the Ash Park concession stand will be open.
For more information about Cornell’s Relay For Life, to donate money or volunteer for the event, go online to
www.cornellcollege.edu/lso/ and select the Relay For Life link, or call Cornell’s Civic Engagement Office, (319) 895-4003.
