Relay For Life goes behind bars

By: Kathy HSubscribe Channel: Relay For Life Saturday, Oct 3 , 09 at 11:18 PM
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In 2006, when a guard at Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF) Women's Unit in Iowa was diagnosed with cancer, not only did her coworkers want to show support by walking in the Relay For Life of Henry County, but so did the 100 offenders whom she guarded. Thus began the first-ever Relay For Life behind bars. Overcoming complicated obstacles, these women successfully held Relays within the confines of the prison for two years. In 2008, the 1000-person Men's Unit got involved, as well. Even more important than the nearly $8,000 raised this year alone, offenders' awareness about cancer and health issues has risen tremendously. One of the participants' goals is to challenge other prisons to give back to their communities, and they recommend Relay For Life because everyone is affected by cancer. Prison officials report that offender morale has improved since the project began, and people are more motivated than ever to continue the positive trend when they're "out." Here are the words of one man who took the microphone during the Caregiver Ceremony: "I've done three good things in my life. My son. My daughter. And Relay For Life." Thanks to CBS4 in Rock Island, IL, for permission to use this story.

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