Dennings head up this year’s Relay for Life

Dave and Sue Denning are long-time health care professionals. Dave is the program director of therapy services at Vandalia Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, and Sue had served as a director of nursing for 25 years. A registered nurse, she is also employed at the Vandalia facility.

They have always been concerned and sympathetic supporters of the fight against cancer, but they are now heavily involved with Relay for Life.
Dave is a survivor and Sue, as a nurse, his wife and caregiver throughout his fight against cancer, knows the importance of continued research, the physical and emotional toll involved, and the support and understanding needed by the patients and their families.
The Dennings share their personal story and appeal to all to support the Relay for Life in combating the disease that respects no one of any walk of life or of age.   
The Diagnosis
“It really started with my dad, Dwight Denning, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2010,” Dave said. “Then I was diagnosed in December of that same year.
“The only way I found out that I had it was through the company that I work for. We had to have a physical to renew our insurance,” he said.
His doctor did the blood work and since Dave was over 50 years old, and there was a family history with prostate cancer, a PSA screening was done.
“It came back elevated. After that I had to go see a urologist, Dr. Nyak in Effingham. They did biopsies, and seven out of 12 came back positive,” he said.
“That February, I had the prostectomy to remove the prostate. Then I had to go back for prostate screenings every six months just to make sure that it is gone and stays away … and, so far, so good.”
Dave’s father was too old for the surgery, so a vantus implant is done every year. Sue explained it is like a capsule that is injected by syringe just under the skin.
“It is kind of like chemotherapy that lasts the whole year,” Sue said.
At the time Dave was diagnosed, the Dennings learned that a long-time friend, Karen Sanders, had also been diagnosed for cancer, and was undergoing chemotherapy for six months, and has now been cancer-free for two years. Sanders is also active with the Relay, as a member of a team and also helping other teams.
‘Treasured’ Birthdays and Activities
The theme this year for relay for Life is “Pirates.”
“We treasure our birthdays,” Sue said.
“People are really getting into it, some even changing the names of their teams, such as the Swashbucklers.”  
Some of the teams and activities include:
• Pirates in the Park-A Day of  Adventure scavenger hunt will be held in the Rogier Park from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday, with all donations going to the Swashbucklers team. They will also hold a quilt raffle.
• A silent auction and sale of trinkets (toy swords, etc.) by the Vandalia Rehab team;
• The Cancer Kickers will sell scarves and other items.
• Country for Life will sell baked goods.
• Connie’s Crew will have snacks.
• The Fayette County Health Department’s Gotcha Covered team will hold a quilt auction.
• The Miller Brothers team will have taco salad, brats, funnel cakes and other food items.
• Shelly McDowell will donate balloons.
• A pie auction will be held on May 31, with pies donated by various teams, including the Augsburg Angels.
Many activities are being planned for the Relay, including activities and games for children from noon until later in the evening.
“The new thing is the time change, from noon until midnight this year,” Sue said.
“One of the things we are going to have is a ‘Fight Back’ ceremony, for people who want to donate hair,” she said. Teresa Powell of Totally You is involved in this program, and helps provide hair for children’s wigs through the ACS and “Locks of Love.”
Relay Specials Include…
• Opening ceremony at noon.
• Survivor walk and caregiver walk at noon.
• Luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m.
• Activities and games for children.
• “Fourgiven” performing, 2-4 p.m.
• Jamie Nattier performing from 6-7 p.m.
• Amanda McDowell’s Beautiful Chaos dance troupe performance, with the time to be determined.
• Karaoke Dance Contest, with the time to be determined.
• “ Broken Chain,” with Marla Ainscough, performing from 8-9 p.m.
Vendors will also be at the Relay this year.
“This is our first year to chair the Relay for Life, although this is our third year on a committee,” Dave said. “They just put us in charge this year.”
Sue added, “But we have a lot of support from the American Cancer Society. Sarah Fuesting is our American Cancer Society partner. She is originally from Teutopolis, and she works out of the Champaign ACS. “
The Dennings urge everyone to come and support the Relay for Life this year  … physically, morally, emotionally and monetary-wise.
To be involved, or get more information, contact the ACS at 800-227-2345 or visit cancer .org