Local Relay for Life organizers recently received notification that Jane Hoeppner, wife of former IU football coach Terry Hoeppner, has agreed to be the opening speaker at this year’s cancer research fundraising event.

For a number of years locally, Relay for Life has been synonymous with Father’s Day weekend. This year will be no exception as team members, campers, tents and a variety of team-sponsored activities as well as musical groups and other entertainment will fill South Veterans Memorial Park June 14 and 15.

According to the trio of co-chairs for the rapidly approaching event — Aimee Bowles, Michele Gettinger and Mike Ooley — Rushville is fortunate to have Hoeppner appear locally as the opening speaker.

“It is my understanding that Jane (Hoeppner) is aware of the successes of previous years Relays held locally. She was excited to be asked to speak and is looking forward to being a part of our local event,” Ooley said.

Hoeppner’s husband Terry succumbed to brain cancer following a well noted battle. During his brief tenure as head coach of the Indiana University football program he instilled pride and the need for hard work and enthusiasm that had been missing from the program for a number of years. With his urging, “The Rock” was placed in the north end zone of Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.

Since his passing, his wife Jane has continued pressing forward and stressing the urgency to find a cure for cancer.

Although the one-day Relay is the signature event for cancer awareness and funds for cancer research, the fight is a year long battle.

Bowles, a cancer survivor herself, said that the reason behind the 24-hour event is to raise awareness that cancer does not take time off and it is her hope that one day, through the efforts of many, a cure will be found through research.

Until that time, the Relay will continue.

A number of individual team events have already been held with more slated for upcoming weeks.

This past weekend a car wash was held by one team and the third annual adult prom was deemed a success by organizers with many in attendance dancing the night away.

A partial list of currently scheduled events and available contact information follows:

Friday

Rushville Church of Christ, 627 West 11th Street, Rushville - The Walk of Love Team will host a gospel sing. A free-will offering will be taken.

Saturday