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During a virtual ceremony held November 17th, 2020, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recognized Memorial Hospital of Chester for its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality of care. ICAHN, located in Princeton, IL, is a network of 57 small rural Illinois hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. As part of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP), Memorial Hospital and other critical access hospitals are asked to participate in four defined domains of quality outcomes, which includes: Patient Safety/Inpatient; Patient Engagement; Care Transitions; and Outpatient Measures. Memorial Hospital’s Environment of Care and Patient Safety Committees meet monthly to work on maintaining and executing top performance in the four domains of quality outcomes laid out by MBQIP. Directors and managers representing departments throughout the hospital and rural health clinics hold active roles on these committees. Each month members review areas that need attention and provide input for improvement. Employees are encouraged to consult their immediate supervisor with questions regarding employee or patient safety. This makes safety and quality of care everyone’s responsibility at Memorial Hospital. Ideas and suggestions for improving safety programs are always welcome. “It takes a team effort from all departments to ensure service excellence,” stated Hospital CEO, Brett Bollmann. “We have worked hard over the past few years to improve the patient experience and have plans for more improvements as we move forward!” Safety programs, equipment, and articles are shared with hospital staff quarterly through the Committees’ “Safety Matters” newsletter. Memorial Hospital was honored for being a top performer in all four domains and also for gaining a ‘5-Star’ rating in HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey) scores. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created the HCAHPS Star Ratings to allow consumers to more quickly and easily access the patient experience of care information on the Hospital Compare website. “This hospital realizes how important quality of care and an engaged staff is for its patients…From its top leadership throughout the facility, each strives for continued quality on a daily basis, and that is what we are celebrating today,” said Laura Fischer, ICAHN Flex Coordinator. As Memorial Hospital continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Environment of Care and Patient Safety Committees commend all staff throughout the organization for their willingness to remain vigilant in infection control and prevention practices for the patients, coworkers, visitors, and community. The day to day safety and infection prevention practices by each and every staff person demonstrates their dedication to healthcare, public health, and the culture of safety embraced at Memorial Hospital.

The Memorial Community Pharmacy had the honor of being this year’s recipient of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Tree of Remembrance Campaign donation. With the Auxiliary’s generous donation of $11,415 they were able to purchase an Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter. This new equipment brings improved safety features to the pharmacy department and helps streamline processes. Eyecon is the first vision-based validation and pill counting system that also saves a photo of every transaction. If a count is questioned, the photo can be reviewed. Every pill is numbered, and all the prescription data is included on the photo in the patient’s record. The Eyecon recognizes not only the number of pills being dispensed, but the type of pill or medication. “Knowing we are dispensing the correct drug, in the correct amount and have record of what we did, is a great tool,” exclaims Kathy Winker, Director of Pharmacy. This advanced resource is an added safety feature to those already in place at the Pharmacy. The Pharmacy also uses bar coding and second verification during medication dispersion, so this new device adds a third layer of protection. “You can never have enough safety features built into your workflow, particularly when it comes to patient safety,” says Winkler. The pharmacy staff pass along their gratitude and thanks to the Auxiliary and campaign contributors for their continued support of the Hospital and in turn the patients we serve.

February is American Heart Health Month, and each year Memorial Hospital hosts their annual Go Red for Women Event. This year’s event at the Chester County Club was on Thursday, February 22 and titled, “Take Charge of Your Heart Health”. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in women in the United States, this event helps spread awareness and educate women on what they can do to prevent heart disease. Those in attendance enjoyed a heart healthy dinner, wine samples, and had the pleasure of hearing from three presenters. Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial, spoke to the group about heart and lung disease and revealed plans for a new Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center that will be opening at the Hospital in the next few months. She explained how the program would work, who it would benefit, and how it would help improve the lives of those with cardiac and pulmonary diseases. She also introduced the nursing staff that will help run the program, Kelly Jany, RN, BSN and Amy Mathis, RN. Cassandra Chambers, Nurse Practitioner at Memorial’s Rural Health Clinics, has a background in cardiac care and explained in detail the many factors that can contribute to heart disease and signs and symptoms to watch for. She educated the women on the factors we can and cannot control and how to take charge of the things we CAN control. By improving our diets, exercising, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake, we can help keep our bodies healthy and help prevent cardiac disease. Kristyn Riley, Physical Therapist specializing in Women’s Physical Therapy, wrapped up the night with information on what Women’s Physical Therapy is, who can benefit from this type of therapy, and what a therapy program would include. Her presentation was highly informative as many women can be suffering from pelvic floor issues and conditions and may not realize there is help. With a consultation, individualized plan, and some exercises many women can see improvements in a short period of time. Attendees of the event enjoyed complementary wine samples, poured by Eric Winters with PRP Wine, and a delicious heart healthy meal, provided by the Chester Country Club. Educational stations were available at the event which provided blood pressure check-ups, and screening and diagnostic service information. The Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers served guests and waited on tables throughout the event. The “Go Red for Women” campaign encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.

Did you know high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. after diabetes? If you have high blood pressure, you could be at risk for kidney disease, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and even death. But, there is good news! You can help protect your kidneys by adopting these 6 healthy lifestyle habits to help manage your high blood pressure: Take your prescribed medications. If your doctor has prescribed blood pressure-lowering medications, take them as directed. These medications can help lower the development of kidney disease. Make goals for a healthy weight. By losing even a small amount of weight, you can help improve your blood pressure. Make healthier food choices. By selecting healthier food and beverage options like vegetables, lean meant, and whole grains, you can improve your overall health. If you smoke, try quitting. Get the recommended amount of sleep.The average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Try to go to bed earlier to increase the amount of sleep you get each night. Add physical activity to your routine and find ways to manage your stress. At least 30 minutes of exercise each day not only improves your health but can help reduce your stress as well. If you suffer from kidney problems talk to your Primary Care Provider about a consult with Memorial Hospital’s Specialty Clinic provider, Dr. Randall Cowart, Nephrologist. Dr. Cowart has more than 30 years of experience in nephrology and internal medicine. He has been a part of the Memorial Hospital specialty staff since 2003 and is also affiliated with many hospitals in Southern Illinois. His primary practice, Kidney Disease and Medicine Specialty Consultants, is located in Carbondale, IL. Dr. Cowart holds outpatient clinics at Memorial Hospital once a month on Fridays. To learn more about Memorial’s Specialty Clinic at 618-826-4581 ext. 1366.

If you suffer from chronic kidney disease, there are steps you can take to help protect your kidneys from additional damage. Taking action sooner rather than later is important to not only your kidney health, but overall health. Steps you take to improve your kidney function can also improve your heart health. Steps to Take to Help Manage Kidney Disease 1. Control blood pressure Keeping your blood pressure under control helps, reduce damage to your kidneys. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy blood pressure range is for you. And set goals to keep your blood pressure within that range. The average range for a healthy adult is less than 140/90 mm Hg. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends the following steps to meet your blood pressure goals: eating heart-healthy and low-sodium meals, quitting smoking, being active, getting enough sleep, and taking your medicines as prescribed. 2. If you are diabetic, meet your blood glucose goals If you have diabetes, it is important to meet your glucose goals and check your glucose regularly. Follow your provider's instructions on maintaining a healthy glucose level, with medications, food choices, and physical activity. Talk to your doctor about what your goals should be and develop a plan to meet those goals. 3. Build a healthy meal plan Talk to your provider or a dietitian about the foods you should be eating to maintain healthy kidney function. Discuss the foods you like to eat and prepare a meal plan that allows you to cook foods you enjoy at home. Preparing foods from scratch is often healthier. 4. Pick physical activities you can stick to Being physically active is not only essential to kidney health but overall heart health and wellness. Finding physical activities you enjoy is important to keep active. Talk to your doctor about physical activities that are suitable for you. 5. Maintain a healthy weight Creating plans for 1-4 can help you maintain a healthy weight. 6. Stop smoking If you are a smoker, reducing or quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure and improve your kidney health. Dr. Vamsi Chilluru, specialty doctor at Memorial Hospital specializes in nephrology (study of the kidneys) and internal medicine. His areas of interest include Interventional Nephrology, electrolyte abnormalities, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and glomerulonephritis. His favorite thing about his specialty is helping his patients manage various complex medical problems within the scope of nephrology. He enjoys making every patient's life better and helping to ease their suffering. Don't suffer with kidney problems. Talk to a provider about a personalized plan to help you improve your kidney health. Dr. Chilluru holds outpatient clinics at Memorial Hospital's Specialty Clinic on Fridays. To learn more about our specialists call Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic at (618) 826-4581 ext. 1366

Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Vamsi Chilluru, M.D. to our Specialty Clinic team. Dr. Chilluru specializes in nephrology and internal medicine. He received his license to practice medicine in India in 2010. He then completed internal medicine residency at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2015. He completed fellowships in nephrology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio in 2016 and at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska in 2017, followed by a fellowship in interventional nephrology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2018. He is board certified in both nephrology and internal medicine. Dr. Chilluru’s first outpatient nephrology clinic at Memorial Hospital is scheduled for October 8, 2021. He will then continue to hold clinics once a month on Fridays in the afternoon. To learn more about the specialists at Memorial Hospital visit our website at www.mhchester.com or contact our Specialty Clinic at 618-826-1366.

Dr. Robert Bell received his medical doctorate from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed General Surgery internship at Medical College of Virginia, and returned to UMKC for orthopaedic surgery residency, followed by a combined sports and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama with renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. After fellowship, Dr. Bell practiced for many years in El Paso, Texas. In addition to practicing as an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bell spent time as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Texas Tech University Health Service and served in various leadership roles, including President of El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group. Originally from Missouri, Dr. Bell returned to the Midwest in 2016, practicing in the St. Louis region and more recently the southwest Illinois area as a specialty physician of Deaconess Illinois. He performs consults for general orthopaedics, specializing in hand surgery and upper extremity conditions. Dr. Bell is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, holding several professional memberships including American Association for Hand Surgery and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Bell is excited to begin seeing patients at Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic. He is available for outpatient clinic consultations and ambulatory surgical procedures every other Tuesday. His first clinic is planned for March 5th, 2024. Please refer to specialty clinic calendar for the most current clinic dates.

Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s 2023 Tree of Remembrance fund drive raised a total of $11,415. The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board would like to thank those who donated to the Tree of Remembrance! The Auxiliary is able to assist the hospital in purchasing needed equipment for various departments through the community's generous donations/memorials. Funds collected this year was used to purchase an Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter for the hospital Pharmacy Department. This piece of equipment takes an image of the pills, numbers them and stores it with the prescription so our pharmacy staff can refer back to it. Some of the features included is a drug identification software that matches the bar code on the prescription label to the shape and color of what is placing on the counter. After identification of the type of medication, the machine will then go on to count and double check the pills prior to dispensing into the prescription bottle. The Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter focuses on patient safety, enhances customer satisfaction, and helps ease the workload on the Pharmacy Department. The cost of this purchase was $11,415.00. Donations and memorials received to date include: Memorials Include: Steven J. Sympson In Honor of Chester, IL BV Tom and Vicki Search In honor of Frank & Betty Derickson and Ted & Angela Search Randy Dudenbostel In loving memory of my wife, Debbie Dudenbostel Mike and Janet Vasquez In loving remembrance of the Michael and Janet Vasquez Families Mary Alice Welge In memory of 1st Lt. Bruce R. Welge The Honorable Richard A. Brown In memory of Barbara Brown Mary Welge, Betty Surman, Elaine Kattenbraker, and Jean Jungewaelter In memory of Bonnie Jones Beta Nu Chapter In memory of BSF Sisters Darrel Ehlers In memory of Carol Ehlers Ron and Jill Arbeiter In memory of Christy Wittenbrink Anonymous In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel Memorial Hosptial Materials Management and Environmental Services Departments In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel Randal and Barbara Johnson and Family In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel, John & Jessie Guthman, Bonnie Jones, and Donna Strothmann Mary and Dave Verseman In memory of deceased family members Mary Alice Welge and Family In memory of Donald E. Welge Julia Saak and Mary Alice Welge In memory of Frances Jarvis Carolyn Schwent In memory of Gary Schwent; Mike Jungewaelter; Karen Deppe; Rick Cash; Phil Fluck; Larry Costilow; and Mary Ann Stumpe. Mardell Moeller Granger In memory of Gottlieb & Marie Moeller; Frank & Emma Granger; and Ralph Granger Jeff and Gail Kordys In memory of Harry and Bonnie Jones Janice Dettmer and Gina & Shawn Straight and Family In memory of John & Rose Leaders; Ray & John Dettmer; Herman & Louise Dettmer; and Mark McLeod Nathan and Julie Stern In memory of Lloyd Stern Larry and Imogene McDonough In memory of loved ones Sandra Starr In memory of Mark Starr Mary Alice Welge and Julia Saak In memory of Mr & Mrs. Brockey Childers Mike and Betty Welge In memory of Mr. & Mrs William H Welge; 1st Lt. Bruce Welge; Mr. Donald Welge; Mr. & Mrs. Bernice Cushman; Mr. Michael Joseph Cushman; Mr. Herbert & Connie Holzum; Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Davitz Mary Alice Welge In memory of Mr. & Mrs. William H. Welge Joyce and Larry Surman In memory of our daughter, Lori Surman McCartney Pechacek Funeral Homes In Memory of Ron Pechacek B.V. Gals In memory of Rosie Craig; Marion Lutz; Millie Layton; Carole Malley; and Marlene Seymour. The Ken Rowold Family In memory of the Rowold and Welge family members Linda Butler In memory of Tony Beckner Memorial Hospital Auxiliary In remembrance of Debbie Dudenbostel Michelle Daschka In remembrance of Don Daschka Linda Rader In remembrance of my husband, Rus Rader; my brother, PFC Leonard Nitzsche; and my brother-in-law, LCPL Charles Rader Judi Hirte In remembrance of my parents, Berniece Van Sant and Ora Keith Rednour Gordon L and Barbara Ann Holley In remembrance of our parents Gordon V and Roseanne Holley & Charles and Louise Hirte Ida Gaertner In remembrance of Paul Gaertner; Husband of Ida and Father of Gary and Stan. Richard Allison In remembrance of Reuel & Ruby Allison Donna Eggemeyer In remembrance of Roger & Ruth Petrowske; Brian Petrowske; and Gary Dale Eggemeyer Dr. Allan and Louise Liefer In remembrance of Sam & Mathilda Stermer; and Elsie & Elmer Liefer Steven J. Sympson Uncle Terry and Aunt Martha Brelje Donations Include: Evelyn Schuwerk Falkenhein Accounting and Tax Service, P.C. Sandra Benedict St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bremen Altar Guild Mary and Michael Sulser City of Chester Eyecare Properties Arbeiter Law Offices Randolph County Abstract, LLC Colvis Investment Services Buena Vista National Bank of Chester Randolph County Housing Authority Dr. Robert and Pauline Platt Chester Animal Hospital Chester Masonic Lodge Jeff and Diane Kerkhover Fraternal Order of Eagles AERIE #3252 Judith Petrowske Alpha Upsilon Master MA 1242 American Legion Auxiliary - Steeleville The American Legion - Chester William and Patty Nanney Anonymous Anonymous Dr. Stephen and Diane Platt VFW Post 3553 Chester, IL Robert and Brenda Owen Brett and Shirleen Bollmann Anonymous Anonymous

The simple enjoyment of eating a meal or drinking can be disrupted with choking or coughing for some. Most of us never think about how we eat or drink until we experience dysphagia, or trouble swallowing. Cancers in the mouth, throat or esophagus can make it difficult to swallow and can be the cause of dysphagia. Through treatment the cancer can be taken care of, but long term side affects from the radiation of the cancer can persist. "Almost all of the patients I see aren't aware that radiation can have long term effects that don't set in immediately after treatment," explains Isabel Hotop, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at Memorial Hospital's Therapy & Sports Rehab Center. "It may be years after radiation, before a patient first notices changes in their swallow function due to the onset of radiation fibrosis, or thickening or scarring of the tissue." There are ways to prevent the effects of radiation fibrosis and a SLP can help when a swallowing issue develops or worsens. Here are answers to some of the most common questions from patients with dysphagia. What is dysphagia and why do I have it? Dysphagia is the medical term for “having trouble swallowing.” In cancer patients, it can be caused by the tumor itself (usually in head and neck cancers) — which blocks or narrows the food passage — or as a side effect of treatment. A tumor in the head or neck can interfere with the ability of the lips, tongue, or throat muscles to move food around the mouth so that it can be chewed and passed to the esophagus. In other cases, the tumor may block the throat so that food and/or liquid cannot pass through it. Radiation therapy can also cause swallowing problems. The effects of radiation — including scarring and fibrosis — build over time, and can reduce the ability of the throat muscles to function properly, even long after treatment is finished. Radiation can also cause narrowing of the swallowing passage — a problem known as "stricture." Chemotherapy doesn’t generally cause lasting dysphagia, but it can make the effects of radiation worse. And though chemotherapy can also affect a patient’s appetite and desire to eat, those side effects are often temporary. The side effects of radiation are usually permanent. Surgery can cause swallowing problems by removing structures in the head, neck or esophagus that normally allow food and liquids to pass through the system. How is dysphagia diagnosed? If you report trouble swallowing, your doctor will order tests to watch the food and water pass through your mouth and throat as you eat and drink. These tests may use imaging (such as X-rays during a modified barium swallow study) or a flexible scope to look inside your throat. The degree of your dysphagia will be rated on both the efficiency and the safety of your swallows. Swallowing efficiency is how quickly and effortlessly you’re able to swallow. “Inefficient” swallowing results in food being left behind in the mouth or throat. It might take a long time for you to eat, or feel like something’s been “left over” or “stuck” in your throat after each bite. Swallowing safety is the ability to eat and drink without anything entering the airway, also known as “aspiration.” Food and liquid that enter your airway can cause pneumonia. So, it’s important to undergo a swallowing examination that evaluates your ability to protect the airway. How might dysphagia affect my ability to eat? Certain types of food, such as solids or those with grainy textures, may be harder for you to swallow than others. This can limit your diet. Some patients find that drinking liquid supplements — such as shakes and smoothies — helps them maintain their weight when swallowing is difficult. In other cases, you may need a feeding tube to ensure you’re receiving adequate nutrition while you heal. In situations where swallowing a pill becomes impossible, ask your doctor to prescribe a liquid version of the medication, if it’s available. Or, ask your pharmacist if your medications can be crushed. Do you have any special dietary recommendations? No, because not everyone with dysphagia can eat the same foods. It is crucial to receive proper guidance regarding the types of foods and liquids that are safe for you to swallow. These recommendations should come from a speech-language pathologist with experience working with cancer patients. A knowledgeable dietitian can provide information on how to make sure your diet is meeting your nutritional needs. When should I approach my doctor for help? Ideally, you would meet with a speech-language pathologist who has experience working with cancer patients before starting treatment, so that you could receive the appropriate testing, counseling and information needed to prevent or lessen the severity of dysphagia. Once you’re actually having problems swallowing, you can still seek help. However, in general, the earlier therapy starts, the better the outcome. Some aspects of the dysphagia may be irreversible. How will my dysphagia be treated? Dysphagia can be treated using a variety of methods, including exercises, postures (such as head turns or chin tucks), massage techniques and muscle manipulation. In some cases, a gastroenterologist may need to stretch or dilate a tight area of your throat or esophagus under sedation, to allow food to pass through more easily. Are my cancer-related swallowing issues temporary or permanent? They can be either. It depends on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor, the stage of your disease and the type of treatment you’re getting. All of these factors play a role in determining the severity of dysphagia and your ability to recover from it. That’s why it is critical to meet with an experienced speech-language pathologist before cancer treatment begins. This ensures you’ll get the guidance needed to preserve as much swallowing function as possible. What’s the one thing I should know? The enemy of swallowing is NOT swallowing, so strive to preserve as much function as possible. "Use it or lose it." Keep those muscles moving, whether the goal is to maintain normal function going into your cancer treatment or to restore function that has been lost during the process. Source: Kate Hutcheson, Ph.D., is an associate professor in Head and Neck Surgery, and Chief of Speech Pathology and Audiology at MD Anderson. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/dysphagia-in-cancer-patients--what-to-know-causes-diagnosis-prevention-treatment.h00-159305412.html

To better serve our community, beginning November 6, Chester Clinic will have a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant available to see patients at 7:00am working through the noontime hour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Learn more about the clinic services here.

Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Dietitian is proud to introduce a new, FREE Weight Loss Group program beginning July 2019. The program provides structure, support and accountability to those looking to lose weight. Those who participate in the program will be supplied with nutrition and activity action plans to help them reach their goals. Anyone interested in the program are invited to attend a free introductory class on one of the following dates/times: Tuesday, July 16 at 9:00am or 5:00pm Thursday, July 18 at 9:00am or 5:00pm Saturday, July 20 at 8:00am Monday, July 22 at 9:00am or 5:00pm Wednesday, July 24 at 9:00am or 5:00pm All introductory meetings will take place at Memorial Hospital. Locations in the hospital may vary, but there will be signs posted to direct you to the right room. PROGRAM DETAILS: The annual program follows the CDC Prediabetes Curriculum and will include 1 meeting a week for the first 16 weeks (August-November), 2 meetings a month for the next two months (December-January), and then 1 meeting a month for the last 6 months (February-June). Those who commit to the program will be required to attend 50% of the classes (make-up classes will be available). Meetings will last approximately 1 hour and will be held in Chester, IL. Locations may vary and participants will be informed of locations prior to each meeting. SEE IF YOU QUALIFY: 1. 18 years+ 2. BMI > 25 3. Risk of being prediabetic: Score 9 or higher on the CDC Prediabetes Risk Test or A1c 5.7 or 6.4% or Fasting Glucose of 100-125 or History of Gestational Diabetes CONTACT Melissa Soellner, Dietitian Phone: 618-826-4581 ext 1170 Email: msoellner@mhchester.com

Memorial Hospital has been a participant in the annual Randolph County Relay for Life event for over 15 years. Over the years, they have walked to honor friends, family, and co-workers. The team works throughout the year to raise funds to donate at the event. They have hosted bake sales, raffles, and put out change donation buckets this year to fund raise. This year’s annual event will be held at the Red Bud High School on September 14th from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. It kicks off with an Open Ceremony honoring everyone who has been affected by cancer and everyone who has contributed to the success of this year's Relay season. Following the ceremony, the relay teams then process in a Survivor/Caregiver Walk in the high school gymnasium. This walk honors the strength and courage of survivors and caregivers with every step they take. Family and friends cheer the walkers along just as they did during their fight against cancer. Each team is invited to decorate their space and dress up to add to the fun and celebration of life. Following the walk, luminaries are lit to represent everyone touched by cancer. The Relay for Life organizers explain that, “each light represents a life – a life taken by cancer, a survivor of cancer, or a support for a person still fighting the disease. It’s a powerful demonstration that gives people the opportunity to grieve but also offers comfort and hope.” Following the Luminaria Ceremony, the event closes with a commitment to continue the actions taken to help lead the fight for a world free from cancer. We invite all survivors and caregivers to join us as we honor loved ones at this year’s event. Memorial Hospital’s Chemotherapy and Infusion Department will be participating in the event and making their annual contribution to assist in finding a cure.