Countdown is on
<span>CHESTER -- The countdown is on for the 2015 Randolph County Relay For Life.</span>
<span>A small crowd of die-hard supporters braved a persistent rain on Sunday to gather inside St. John Lutheran's Parish Hall to celebrate the kickoff to next year's event, scheduled for June 13, 2015 at the Cohen Complex in Chester.</span>
<span>It will occur from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. In the case of rain, the event will be moved to Chester High School's Colbert Gymnasium.</span>
<span>"Cancer isn't a battle that someone diagnosed fights alone," said Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter. "Family, friends, caregivers, doctors, nurses, neighbors and the community are faced with it as well."</span>
<span>Carter also spoke on behalf of Chester Mayor Tom Page, who was unable to attend the ceremony.</span>
<span>"On behalf of Mayor Tom Page and the City of Chester, we are honored and privileged to have the Relay For Life of Randolph County hosting their event in Chester," Carter said. "We are hard-pressed to find someone who has not been touched by this horrific disease."</span>
<span>Other speakers included Chris Schwier, a Neuroblastoma survivor, and Chris's mother, Lois Schwier.</span>
<span>"I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when I was 23 months old," said Chris Schwier, a seventh-grader at Chester Grade School. "I am now 11 years cancer-free and a survivor."</span>
<span>Sunday's torch run was originally scheduled to take place at Chester Gazebo Park, with the route to end at Chester City Hall, but heavy rain changed those plans. Instead, an abbreviated version of the run was held in the Parish Hall gymnasium.</span>
<span>Runners were Maddie Gerlach and Chris Schwier.</span>
<span>"While Chris is now cancer-free, he still suffers from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation," Lois Schwier said. "He has high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart disease. He is also at an increased risk of developing a secondary cancer."</span>
<span>On Sept. 22, members of the Randolph County Relay For Life Committee formally announced the event's return to Chester after 10 years in Sparta.</span>
<span>In June, the Relay For Life drew 47 area cancer survivors inside Sparta High School's Dwight Fulton Gymnasium, where it was moved after inclement weather canceled outdoor activities.</span>
<span>"The money raised by this event will stay in Randolph County," Carter said. "This year, Relay For Life has set a goal of $50,000.</span>
<span>"We want to have team campsites lining the walking path around Cohen Field No. 1, proving that the citizens of Randolph County will not let anyone fight this battle alone."</span>
<span>Chris Schwier thanked those in attendance for their support.</span>
<span>"If it wasn't for all of you volunteering your time and hard work, none of this would be possible," he said. "Again, thank you all very much."</span>
<span>According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 400 people from Southern Illinois are participating in a new cancer prevention study to find new ways to prevent, treat and cure cancer.</span>
<span>"My hope is that the money raised by Relay For Life will help fund the much-needed research so that there will be less toxic treatments and eventually, a cure," Lois Schwier said.</span>
<span>For more information on the Randolph County Relay For Life, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/relayforliferandolphil.</span>