By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Cancer is a common problem in Southeast Louisiana. It seems nearly everyone has been affected in some way by the disease. And one of the most frustrating aspects of the situation is the powerlessness those caught in its grip feel.

But on Saturday, a host of local families and organizations will gather at Riverside Academy in Reserve for the Relay for Life of St. John Parish to raise funds and awareness to combat the killer.

So far 25 teams comprised of 218 participants have volunteered to take part in the event, which starts at 3 p.m. and continues through the night until 5 a.m. Sunday.

Lindsay St. Pierre is the captain of the team from Marathon Oil. She said she was urged by friend and local organizer Renee Boo to get the refinery more involved in Relay.

According to St. Pierre, about 30 Marathon employees have signed up to participate. In addition to hosting a team, the refinery has also sponsored a number of fundraising activities, including a raffle, a football pool and a function through which men could get screened for prostate cancer for a donation of $10.

She said the refinery has managed to raise about $2,000 for the cause so far, and as a Platinum Sponsor, the refinery has pledged an additional $3,000 on top of that.

For Tough Cookies team captain Darcey Delatte, the cause hits a little closer to home. In January 2008 Delatte was diagnosed with colon cancer. She had surgery to have the cancer removed and underwent chemotherapy until October of that year. Fortunately, she has been cancer-free ever since. She participated in her first Relay for Life in 2009.

“Last year I was one of the speakers for the survivors’ lap,” she said.

Only 32 when she was diagnosed, Delatte said she thinks one of the best reasons to be involved in Relay for Life is to raise awareness of screening options, even for the very young. Although she has a family history of the disease, she said she was still surprised to be diagnosed at such an early age.

While Delatte recognized tackling cancer in all its forms is a formidable task, she remained optimistic. “We can’t stop trying,” she said.

Organizer Boo also is on a bit of a personal mission when it comes to the Relay.

“Nine years ago I lost my mother to cancer,” she said.

She said there is still time to purchase luminaries to remember those lost to cancer. The Luminary Ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. Saturday. In addition, each team will be selling items and hosting activities to raise funds for the cause.

Boo said she feels it is important for the community to come out and support the event so “someone else doesn’t have to hear those words, ‘You have cancer.’” Ì-