Pottawatomie County DHS raises money for cancer research

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Pottawatomie County office of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) recently raised about $4,000 to help fight cancer.

A building-wide garage sale and bake sale were held and staff participated in the Shawnee Relay for Life.

During the relay, all teams had to camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path. To signify that “cancer never sleeps,” at least one team member had to be on the track at all times during the 24-hour period. The DHS team raised more than $700.

“We chose a basketball theme for our relay team and called ourselves the Pott County DHS MVPs," said Tammy Lee, Pottawatomie County DHS wellness coordinator. "Our slogan was 'get off the bench and alley-oop for a cure!'"

For the bake sales and garage sale, Pottawatomie County DHS staff divided into sub-teams and competed against each other as the Peace Makers, the B-52 Bombers, the Dolphins, the Willis Experience, the Fearless Five, the Diamonds, the Nightingales, and the 2K Rebels. The total amount raised was $3,277.43 and all proceeds went to the American Cancer Society to benefit cancer patients and their families.

“Many of our staff members have lost loved ones to cancer and we feel strongly about this fight,” said Cindy Rudich, Adult and Family Services county director. “I’m very proud of all the efforts to work as a team in order to raise this amount.”

“The Relay for Life was an amazing way for us to get involved and be part of our local community,” said Lee. “We’re out there with them trying to help find a cure for cancer.”

Members of the Pottawatomie County DHS staff

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